Abstract: A crossbar may be coupled between a plurality of PHY devices configured to provide physical layer functions according to an Open Systems Interconnection, OSI, model and a plurality of MAC devices configured to provide data link layer functions according to the OSI model. First data couplings may be provided through the crossbar between the plurality of PHY devices and the plurality of MAC devices during a first time period. Second data couplings may be provided through the crossbar between the plurality of PHY devices and the plurality of MAC devices during a second time period, with the first and second data couplings being different. Related network elements, interfaces, and networks are also discussed.

Abstract: A backplane for a computing system may include a connector configured to provide a detachable mechanical coupling with a circuit board, and an optical signal path configured to carry optical signals. In addition, an optical bypass switch may be configured to couple optical signals from the optical signal path to the circuit board and to couple optical signals from the circuit board to the optical signal path responsive to an enabling signal. The optical bypass switch may be further configured to transmit optical signals therethrough to bypass the circuit board responsive to an absence of the enabling signal. Related circuit boards, computing systems, bypass switches, and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A method and a router having a plurality of blades comprising at least a first blade and a second blade. The router comprises an interconnect providing a plurality of channels, each of which being used between two of the blades. The first blade receives a packet addressed to exit the router via the second blade, segments the packets into at least two fragments and forwards each fragment to at least two different blades, each via one of the interconnect's channels. The interconnect may be an optical interconnect by which a single wavelength from one blade defines one of the plurality of channels and wherein each blade supports a plurality of wavelengths. The at least two different blades may comprise each blade of the router, except the first blade. Each of the plurality of channels may also be a dedicated channel between two of the blades.

Abstract: Fluid-cooling technology developed for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronics assemblies is combined with optical-based interconnect technology, thereby enabling efficient fabrication of PCBs with free-space optical bearers. Since cooling components such as fans and heat sinks are no longer required on the PCB, the PCB is thinner and makes better use of a cooling substrate by also using it to carry optical signals. A card or a backplane supporting a plurality of active components can combine optical signals and cooling aspects in support of those components.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for optical interconnection using dual micro-ring resonators in a multilayer structure. Multi-wavelength optical signals can be redirected on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis, or larger, from input ports on a first layer to output ports on a second layer of an optical device.

Abstract: Fluid-cooling technology developed for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronics assemblies is combined with optical-based interconnect technology, thereby enabling efficient fabrication of PCBs with free-space optical bearers. Since cooling components such as fans and heat sinks are no longer required on the PCB, the PCB is thinner and makes better use of a cooling substrate by also using it to carry optical signals. A card or a backplane supporting a plurality of active components can combine optical signals and cooling aspects in support of those components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical backplane, comprising a plurality of component connectors and at least two interconnections configurations interconnecting the component connectors. The at least two interconnections configurations allow a dynamical selection of an interconnections configuration interconnecting the component connectors.

Abstract: A headphone includes a pair of right and left headphone units, a resilient band formed substantially into a U shape to be mounted on a human head, and a pair of arm members. Each of the arm members is rotatably coupled via a pivot joint to an end part of the band and supporting one the headphone units. Each of the pivot joints includes a detent hinge for locking into a plurality of rotational positions an arm member relatively to the corresponding end part of the band.

Abstract: A method and a router having a plurality of blades comprising at least a first blade and a second blade. The router comprises an interconnect providing a plurality of channels, each of which being used between two of the blades. The first blade receives a packet addressed to exit the router via the second blade, segments the packets into at least two fragments and forwards each fragment to at least two different blades, each via one of the interconnect's channels. The interconnect may be an optical interconnect by which a single wavelength from one blade defines one of the plurality of channels and wherein each blade supports a plurality of wavelengths. The at least two different blades may comprise each blade of the router, except the first blade. Each of the plurality of channels may also be a dedicated channel between two of the blades.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for memory management techniques and systems for storing data. Data is segmented for storage in memory. According to one exemplary embodiment, each fragment is routed via a different memory bank and forwarded until they reach a destination memory bank wherein the fragments are reassembled for storage. According to another exemplary embodiment, data is segmented and stored serially in memory banks.

Abstract: A button mechanism for effecting user inputs to an electronic device. The button mechanism includes a frame top that has a rigid frame portion; and flexible frame portion. The button mechanism further includes a device body that is oriented substantially parallel to the frame top and a button assembly that is situated between the device body and the frame top. The button assembly includes a contact portion that is operable to provide an electronic signal to control circuitry for the electronic device. The button assembly is affixed to an upper portion of the device body. The mechanism further includes a switch attached to the button assembly on the contact portion and a spring portion having a stepwise shape. The spring portion has an upper horizontal step portion and a lower horizontal step portion. The lower horizontal step portion of the spring is affixed to the button assembly.