Abstract: A connector for a networking cable assembly includes a substrate, a first set of contacts on a first surface of the substrate that electrically connect to leads of a first cable, and a second set of contacts on the first surface of the substrate that electrically connect to leads of a second cable. The first set of contacts are spaced apart from the second set of contacts in a first direction by an amount that enables the second cable to be stacked on the first cable and passed over the first set of contacts to electrically connect to the leads of the second cable.

Abstract: Optical splitting adaptors and associated methods of manufacturing are provided. An example optical splitting adaptor includes a first connector housing that interfaces with a first optical transceiver having a first data rate, and the first connector housing accommodates a first type multi-fiber ferrule of a first number of fibers. The example optical splitting adaptor also includes a second connector housing that defines dual receptacles for interfacing with a second optical transceiver and a third optical transceiver, and the dual receptacles receive respective multi-fiber ferrules. The example optical splitting adaptor further includes a plurality of fibers operably connecting the first connector housing and the second connector housing such that, in operation, the plurality of fibers perform optical splitting between the first type multi-fiber ferrule of the first connector housing and the multi-fiber ferrules received by the dual receptacles of the second connector housing.

Abstract: A connector for a networking cable assembly includes a substrate, a first set of contacts on a first surface of the substrate that electrically connect to leads of a first cable, and a second set of contacts on the first surface of the substrate that electrically connect to leads of a second cable. The first set of contacts are spaced apart from the second set of contacts in a first direction by an amount that enables the second cable to be stacked on the first cable and passed over the first set of contacts to electrically connect to the leads of the second cable.

Abstract: Optical splitting adaptors and associated methods of manufacturing are provided. An example optical splitting adaptor includes a first connector housing that interfaces with a first optical transceiver having a first data rate, and the first connector housing accommodates a first type multi-fiber ferrule of a first number of fibers. The example optical splitting adaptor also includes a second connector housing that defines dual receptacles for interfacing with a second optical transceiver and a third optical transceiver, and the dual receptacles receive respective multi-fiber ferrules. The example optical splitting adaptor further includes a plurality of fibers operably connecting the first connector housing and the second connector housing such that, in operation, the plurality of fibers perform optical splitting between the first type multi-fiber ferrule of the first connector housing and the multi-fiber ferrules received by the dual receptacles of the second connector housing.

Abstract: A pluggable module, for testing time-synchronization signals of network elements, includes a first connector for connecting to test equipment, a second connector for connecting to a network port of a network element, and at least one driver. The at least one driver is connected between the first and second connectors and is configured to buffer and relay a time-synchronization signal between the network element and the test equipment.

Abstract: Presented herein is a backshell of a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) plug configured to be connected to the end of a QSFP-DD copper cable. The backshell includes an over-mold strain relief and 16 pairs of 26 AWG copper conductors. The backshell defines external dimensions and shape that are compliant with the industry standards for a QSFP backshell.

Abstract: A connector backshell for accommodating and protecting rows of twisted pairs of cables is provided. The backshell includes four sidewalls and a printed circuit board (PCB) with a first group of conductive pads printed on the top side of the PCB and located at the rear side of the PCB, for receiving rows of corresponding wires of insulated cables, to be connected to the conductive pads, such that one row is located below the PCB and the other rows are located on top of each other above the top surface of the PCB. A second group of conductive pads are printed on the bottom side of the PCB and located at the rear side of the PCB, for receiving corresponding wires of insulated cables, to be connected to the conductive pads, such that at least one row is located below the PCB.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide an optical connector cage configured to receive an optical cable connector. The optical connector cage includes a body defined by a top portion, a bottom portion, two side portions, a first end, and a second end. The body defines a receiving space that can at least partially receive an optical cable connector therein and one or more openings. The optical connector cage defines one or more heat dissipation units disposed within the one or more openings, and each heat dissipation unit further includes a first set of heat dissipation elements having a first height, and a second set of heat dissipation elements having a second height. The second height is different than the first height such that the one or more heat dissipation elements allow heat to be transferred from the body to an external environment.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide a cage receptacle assembly configured to receive a cable connector. The cage receptacle assembly includes a cage body defining a first end and a second end. The cage body includes a top cage member attached to a bottom cage member via two side portions of the top cage member, and the bottom cage member defines an opening. The cage receptacle assembly defines a heat dissipation unit disposed within the opening of the bottom cage member, and the heat dissipation unit includes one or more heat dissipation elements allowing heat to be transferred from the cable connector to an external environment of the cage receptacle assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide a cage receptacle assembly configured to receive a cable connector. The cage receptacle assembly includes a cage body defining a first end and a second end. The cage body includes a top cage member attached to a bottom cage member via two side portions of the top cage member, and the bottom cage member defines an opening. The cage receptacle assembly defines a heat dissipation unit disposed within the opening of the bottom cage member, and the heat dissipation unit includes one or more heat dissipation elements allowing heat to be transferred from the cable connector to an external environment of the cage receptacle assembly.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide an optical connector cage configured to receive an optical cable connector. The optical connector cage includes a body defined by a top portion, a bottom portion, two side portions, a first end, and a second end. The body defines a receiving space that can at least partially receive an optical cable connector therein and one or more openings. The optical connector cage defines one or more heat dissipation units disposed within the one or more openings, and each heat dissipation unit further includes a first set of heat dissipation elements having a first height, and a second set of heat dissipation elements having a second height. The second height is different than the first height such that the one or more heat dissipation elements allow heat to be transferred from the body to an external environment.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide an adaptive connector configured to connect between a cable connector and a switch module in a datacenter. The adaptive connector includes a body defining a top, bottom, and two side portions extending between the top and bottom portion. The body of the adaptive connector defines a first end for receiving the cable connector and a second end that is received by a switch module for enabling signals to pass between the cable connector and switch module. The adaptive connector further defines a heat dissipation elements for transferring heat between the adaptive connector and an external environment of the adaptive connector.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide an adaptive connector configured to connect between a cable connector and a switch module in a datacenter. The adaptive connector includes a body defining a top, bottom, and two side portions extending between the top and bottom portion. The body of the adaptive connector defines a first end for receiving the cable connector and a second end that is received by a switch module for enabling signals to pass between the cable connector and switch module. The adaptive connector further defines a heat dissipation elements for transferring heat between the adaptive connector and an external environment of the adaptive connector.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods of assembly are described that provide mechanisms for integrating an optical module (e.g., an MBOM) into a main switch system to allow the optical module to be replaced without having to replace other components of the main switch system. The field replaceable modular optical interconnect unit includes a housing, a printed circuit board assembly supported within the housing, an optical module supported on the printed circuit board assembly that converts between optical signals and electrical signals for transmitting or receiving optical signals through a fiber optic cable, a board-to-board connector on a rear panel of the housing that enables electrical signals to be transmitted between the printed circuit board assembly and a main switch system box, and an external connector on a front panel of the housing that can engage an external optical fiber for transmitting optical signals between the optical module and an external component.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods of assembly are described that provide mechanisms for integrating an optical module (e.g., an MBOM) into a main switch system to allow the optical module to be replaced without having to replace other components of the main switch system. The field replaceable modular optical interconnect unit includes a housing, a printed circuit board assembly supported within the housing, an optical module supported on the printed circuit board assembly that converts between optical signals and electrical signals for transmitting or receiving optical signals through a fiber optic cable, a board-to-board connector on a rear panel of the housing that enables electrical signals to be transmitted between the printed circuit board assembly and a main switch system box, and an external connector on a front panel of the housing that can engage an external optical fiber for transmitting optical signals between the optical module and an external component.

Abstract: A connector cage includes a bezel, having a plurality of slots formed therein, and a cage structure including upper and lower sides and multiple partitions extending between the upper and lower sides to define receptacles for receiving cable connectors. Multiple tabs protrude out of at least one of the sides in locations at which the tabs fit into the slots in the bezel, and are folded over the slots so as to secure the cage structure to the bezel. The cage may also include multiple snap-on spring subassemblies, each spring subassembly secured to a front end of a respective partition and comprising leaves that bow outward to contact the shells of the connectors that are inserted into the receptacles adjacent to the partition.

Abstract: An apparatus includes one or more optical waveguides, one or more first micro-lenses, and one or more second micro-lenses. The one or more optical waveguides are formed in a substrate and are configured to convey respective optical signals between first ends and second ends of the optical waveguides. The one or more first micro-lenses are disposed on the respective first ends of the optical waveguides and are configured to couple the optical signals between the first ends and respective first optical elements. The one or more second micro-lenses are disposed on the respective second ends of the optical waveguides and are configured to couple the optical signals between the second ends and respective second optical elements.

Abstract: A connector cage includes a bezel, having a plurality of slots formed therein, and a cage structure including upper and lower sides and multiple partitions extending between the upper and lower sides to define receptacles for receiving cable connectors. Multiple tabs protrude out of at least one of the sides in locations at which the tabs fit into the slots in the bezel, and are folded over the slots so as to secure the cage structure to the bezel. The cage may also include multiple snap-on spring subassemblies, each spring subassembly secured to a front end of a respective partition and comprising leaves that bow outward to contact the shells of the connectors that are inserted into the receptacles adjacent to the partition.

Abstract: A connector cage includes a bezel, having a plurality of slots formed therein, and a cage structure including upper and lower sides and multiple partitions extending between the upper and lower sides to define receptacles for receiving cable connectors. Multiple tabs protrude out of at least one of the sides in locations at which the tabs fit into the slots in the bezel, and are folded over the slots so as to secure the cage structure to the bezel. The cage may also include multiple snap-on spring subassemblies, each spring subassembly secured to a front end of a respective partition and comprising leaves that bow outward to contact the shells of the connectors that are inserted into the receptacles adjacent to the partition.