Abstract: The present invention relates to an opto-electronic system including an opto-electronic module and a cage assembly for electrically connecting and securing the electronic module to a host computer device. Corresponding mechanical features are provided on the module and the cage assembly to prevent modules from being plugged into incompatible cage assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high density small form factor opto-electronic transceiver system in which the module housing and guide rail from a large form factor transceiver system, e.g. an X2 transceiver, are used to house a plurality of small form factor transceivers. Ideally up to four independently functioning pluggable small form factor transceivers are plugged into the module housing of the larger form factor transceiver, which has been modified to form a shell. The shell houses a printed circuit board, which has a plurality of electrical connectors on one end for receiving the transceivers, and a single electrical connector on the other end for plugging into a host system.

Abstract: The latest 10 Gb/s optical transceivers include large heat sinks with heat dissipating fins or pins extending from an upper surface thereof, which can cause difficulties when the transceivers are passed through an opening of a faceplate onto the guide rail of a host device. Often the heat dissipating fins or pins will contact an edge of the faceplate opening causing a series of ratcheting impacts that can damage the fins or pins. Accordingly, the present invention provides a guide rail with a resilient arm extending therefrom comprised of a vertical section extending along the side of the transceiver and a horizontal section extending above the top of the heat sink, but below the edge of the faceplate. A lead-in section extends outwardly and upwardly from the horizontal section providing a camming surface for guiding the transceiver into position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bail latching device for an opto-electronic transceiver, including a pivotal latching member and a bail. The bail includes ends extending at an acute angle from a plane defined by the side arms for pivoting the latching member when the bail is rotated from a rest position to a removal position. Ideally, in the rest position, the side arms of the bail extend downwardly on each side of a front end of the transceiver. In the removal position, the bail is parallel to a removal direction, whereby the bail rotates the latching member to an unlatching position and then provides a handle to grasp while removing the transceiver from a standard cage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a latch device for a pluggable opto-electronic module, such as an optical transceiver, for locking the module in a rail or cage system of a host machine. The latest generation of optical transceivers include all metal housings, instead of all plastic or partial plastic, to ensure adequate heat dissipation. The relatively heavier housings necessitate the use of more robust latch devices. The latch device according to the present invention includes a sliding element with arms extending therefrom for pivoting a latching hook out of engagement with the rail or cage system. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of latching hooks are provided, one on each side of the module. The latching hooks are mounted on the ends of spring arms, which extend from the same sheet of spring metal positioned across the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bail latching device for an opto-electronic transceiver, including a pivotal latching member and a bail. The bail includes ends extending at an acute angle from a plane defined by the side arms for pivoting the latching member when the bail is rotated from a rest position to a removal position. Ideally, in the rest position, the side arms of the bail extend downwardly on each side of a front end of the transceiver. In the removal position, the bail is parallel to a removal direction, whereby the bail rotates the latching member to an unlatching position and then provides a handle to grasp while removing the transceiver from a standard cage.

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: The invention relates to a latch device for a pluggable opto-electronic module, such as an optical transceiver, for locking the module in a rail or cage system of a host machine. The latest generation of optical transceivers include all metal housings, instead of all plastic or partial plastic, to ensure adequate heat dissipation. The relatively heavier housings necessitate the use of more robust latch devices. The latch device according to the present invention includes a sliding element with arms extending therefrom for pivoting a latching hook out of engagement with the rail or cage system. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of latching hooks are provided, one on each side of the module. The latching hooks are mounted on the ends of spring arms, which extend from the same sheet of spring metal positioned across the bottom of the housing.

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: In one aspect of the invention, an assembly includes an optical-electronic die having electrically conductive pads and a submount with first and second opposing sides and a third side essentially perpendicular to the first submount side. The first and third submount sides have an adjoining edge, with electrically conductive pads on the first submount side bonded to the die pads, second electrically conductive pads on the third side of the submount, and electrically conductive traces interconnecting the first and second submount pads. The conductive traces are formed on the first and third sides and adjoining edge of the submount by a process that uses a shadow mask.

Abstract: A light blocking device for an optical transmitter includes a flap (46) that is movable to a first position in which light is allowed to pass unhindered from a laser (18), and is movable to a second position to block the light emitted from the laser. The light blocking device further includes a panel member (48) connectable to a housing (10) of the optical transmitter. The flap (46) is connected to an edge of the panel member (48).

Abstract: An optical coupler and housing arrangement includes a housing portion adapted to receive an optical connector of a fiber optic cable, and further includes an optical coupler portion integrally formed with the housing portion. The optical coupler portion is adapted to transmit optical signals to and from the fiber optic cable. The optical coupler portion has a plurality of optical fibers for transmitting the optical signals. Each of the optical fibers extends from one end surface of the optical coupler portion to another end surface of the optical coupler portion. The housing portion has a recess for receiving the optical connector, with one of the end surfaces of the optical coupler portion forming a back surface of the recess.

Abstract: An optical subassembly is provided. A mounting structure having a plurality of angled conductive traces is disposed on a first surface of the mounting structure. A holding device, coupled to a second surface of the mounting structure, has a plurality of optical channels. A laser optical device is electrically connected to the conductive traces on the mounting structure. An optical signal is emitted or received by the laser optical device and is converted to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is transmitted by way of the plurality of angled conductive devices to the plurality of optical channels.

Abstract: An optical coupler and housing arrangement includes a housing portion adapted to receive an optical connector of a fiber optic cable, and further includes an optical coupler portion integrally formed with the housing portion. The optical coupler portion is adapted to transmit optical signals to and from the fiber optic cable. The optical coupler portion has a plurality of optical fibers for transmitting the optical signals. Each of the optical fibers extends from one end surface of the optical coupler portion to another end surface of the optical coupler portion. The housing portion has a recess for receiving the optical connector, with one of the end surfaces of the optical coupler portion forming a back surface of the recess.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement includes a vertical cavity surface emitting laser. A carrier has the vertical cavity surface emitting laser affixed thereto. An optical coupler is coupled to the vertical cavity surface emitting laser, and has a plurality of optical fibers which receive light emitted from the vertical cavity surface emitting laser. The vertical cavity surface emitting laser is separated from the optical coupler by a gap and is free of direct contact with the optical coupler. The gap is less than about 50 microns, and is greater than zero microns. A curable adhesive is disposed in the gap for coupling the vertical cavity surface emitting laser to the optical coupler. The adhesive has a viscosity that defines a size of the gap.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an assembly includes an optical-electronic die having electrically conductive pads and a submount with first and second opposing sides and a third side essentially perpendicular to the first submount side. The first and third submount sides have an adjoining edge, with electrically conductive pads on the first submount side bonded to the die pads, second electrically conductive pads on the third side of the submount, and electrically conductive traces interconnecting the first and second submount pads. The conductive traces are formed on the first and third sides and adjoining edge of the submount by a process that uses a shadow mask.

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: 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: 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: 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.