Abstract: A transceiver for use in a fiber optic transmission system is described, which transceiver (1) is adapted for insertion into an opening in a holder (6) along a direction of insertion. The transceiver comprises blocking means (2) which may be moved between a blocking position in which the transceiver (1) is prevented from being pulled out from the holder (6) and a non-blocking position in which the transceiver (1) may be pulled out from the holder. The transceiver (1) also comprises a front member (8) which may be translated between a pulled out position and an inserted position for moving the blocking means.

Abstract: A transceiver for use in a fibre optic transmission system is described, which transceiver (1) is adapted for insertion into an opening in a holder (6) along a direction of insertion. The transceiver comprises blocking means (2) which may be moved between a blocking position in which the transceiver (1) is prevented from being pulled out from the holder (6) and a non-blocking position in which the transceiver (1) may be pulled out from the holder. The transceiver (1) also comprises a front member (8) which may be translated between a pulled out position and an inserted position for moving the blocking means.

Abstract: An extender for an electrical data bus including a power line and signal lines has first and second electrical connectors for connection to respective electrical connectors attached to respective electrical data buses. The electrical connectors include a data interface circuit for communication with the electrical bus, an optical transmitter and optical receiver electrically connected to the data interface circuit, and driver circuits for the optical transmitter and optical receivers. The driver circuits obtain power from the power line on the local electrical data bus. An optic fiber is connected between the optical transmitters and receivers at respective first and second electrical connectors to transfer data optically between the first and second electrical connectors and thereby extend the range of the data bus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for hot-pluggable electronic component connection. In one embodiment of the present invention, ground and power line couplings with a system are formed by moving the component in one direction while signal line couplings with the system are formed by moving the component in another direction. In one embodiment, a guide rail system causes a hot-pluggable component to move in a direction which couples, first, the ground line and, then, the power lines to the system. After the ground and power lines are connected, the guide rail system causes the component to move in another direction which couples the signal lines to the system. In another embodiment, a latching mechanism holds the component in place once the signal lines are coupled to the system. In this embodiment, an ejection system releases the latching mechanism and allows removal of the component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for hot-pluggable electronic component connection. In one embodiment of the present invention, ground and power line couplings with a system are formed by moving the component in one direction while signal line couplings with the system are formed by moving the component in another direction. In one embodiment, a guide rail system causes a hot-pluggable component to move in a direction which couples, first, the ground line and, then, the power lines to the system. After the ground and power lines are connected, the guide rail system causes the component to move in another direction which couples the signal lines to the system. In another embodiment, a latching mechanism holds the component in place once the signal lines are coupled to the system. In this embodiment, an ejection system releases the latching mechanism and allows removal of the component.

Abstract: An extender for an electrical data bus including a power line and signal lines has first and second electrical connectors for connection to respective electrical connectors attached to respective electrical data buses. The electrical connectors include a data interface circuit for communication with the electrical bus, an optical transmitter and optical receiver electrically connected to the data interface circuit, and driver circuits for the optical transmitter and optical receivers. The driver circuits obtain power from the power line on the local electrical data bus. An optic fiber is connected between the optical transmitters and receivers at respective first and second electrical connectors to transfer data optically between the first and second electrical connectors and thereby extend the range of the data bus.

Abstract: An optic fiber interface device includes an optical transducer mounted on a first portion of a mounting board, a housing mounted over the optical transducer having a bore aligned with the optical transducer for accommodating an optic fiber and having a cavity on its underside. A lens is mounted in the bore between the optical transducer and the optic fiber. An electronic interface circuit is mounted on a second portion of the mounting board folded up relative to said the portion so that the second portion abuts the housing with the electronic interface circuit located in the cavity. The housing can be mounted on the board using surface mount technology.

Abstract: In a method of producing an ohmic contact (5) to a p-type .alpha.-SiC layer (3b) in a semiconductor device (1), layers of aluminium, titanium and silicon are deposited on said .alpha.-SiC layer (3b), and said deposited layers (5) are annealed to convert at least part of said deposited layers (5) to aluminium-titanium-silicide.

Abstract: In a method of producing an ohmic contact to a p-type .alpha.-SiC layer in a semiconductor device, layers of aluminum, titanium and silicon are deposited on the .alpha.-SiC layer, and the deposited layers are annealed to convert at least a part of the deposited layers to aluminum-titanium-silicide.