Abstract: An apparatus and method for signaling and transmitting data through an optical link is described. The apparatus may include a connector including a first plurality of contacts compatible with an enhanced SFP (SFP+) connector. The connector further includes an additional contact formed at a space adjacent to the first plurality of contacts. A tone generator couples to the additional contact to receive a first signal and to generate a first distinct tone indicative of the first signal for transmission via the additional contact. The method may include generating a first distinct tone indicative of a first signal providing control or status of an apparatus and transmitting or receiving a differential data signal over a portion of a first plurality of contacts compatible with an enhanced SFP (SFP+) connector. The first distinct tone is transmitted over the additional contact formed in a space adjacent to the first plurality of contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for signaling and transmitting data through an optical link is described. The apparatus may include a connector including a first plurality of contacts compatible with an enhanced SFP (SFP+) connector. The connector further includes an additional contact formed at a space adjacent to the first plurality of contacts. A tone generator couples to the additional contact to receive a first signal and to generate a first distinct tone indicative of the first signal for transmission via the additional contact. The method may include generating a first distinct tone indicative of a first signal providing control or status of an apparatus and transmitting or receiving a differential data signal over a portion of a first plurality of contacts compatible with an enhanced SFP (SFP+) connector. The first distinct tone is transmitted over the additional contact formed in a space adjacent to the first plurality of contacts.

Abstract: Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.

Abstract: A transceiver connector may include a bottomside connector. The bottomside connector may include a first ground pin adjacent to an edge of the bottomside connector, a first high-speed differential input pin adjacent to the first ground pin, a second high-speed differential input pin adjacent to the first high-speed differential input pin, a second ground pin adjacent to the second high-speed differential input pin, a serial interface data line pin adjacent to the second ground pin, a serial interface clock pin adjacent to the serial interface data line pin, a third ground pin adjacent to the serial interface clock pin, a first high-speed differential output pin adjacent to the third ground pin, a second high-speed differential output pin adjacent to the first high-speed differential output pin, and a fourth ground pin adjacent to the second high-speed differential output pin.

Abstract: Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.

Abstract: Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.

Abstract: A transceiver connector may include a bottomside connector. The bottomside connector may include a first ground pin adjacent to an edge of the bottomside connector, a first high-speed differential input pin adjacent to the first ground pin, a second high-speed differential input pin adjacent to the first high-speed differential input pin, a second ground pin adjacent to the second high-speed differential input pin, a serial interface data line pin adjacent to the second ground pin, a serial interface clock pin adjacent to the serial interface data line pin, a third ground pin adjacent to the serial interface clock pin, a first high-speed differential output pin adjacent to the third ground pin, a second high-speed differential output pin adjacent to the first high-speed differential output pin, and a fourth ground pin adjacent to the second high-speed differential output pin.

Abstract: Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.

Abstract: Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.

Abstract: Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.

Abstract: An optical transceiver configured to perform filtering of digital diagnostics prior to the filtered results being made accessible to a host computing system (hereinafter referred to simply as a “host”) that is communicatively coupled to the optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes sensor(s) that measures analog operational parameter signals such as temperature and supply voltage. The analog signals are each converted to a plurality of digital samples by analog to digital converter(s). A processor executes microcode that causes the optical transceiver to perform filtering on the various samples. The optical transceiver may then make the filtered result accessible to the host.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating an optical transceiver module to a host are disclosed. The transceiver comprises a receive signal line for transferring data from the transceiver to the host and a transmit signal line for transferring data from the host to the transceiver in preparation for transmission to a communications network. The transceiver includes a controller having a processor in communication with the host, and a first memory register assignable by the processor. A consolidated laser driver/post amplifier is also included and features a pattern generator and a data switch. The pattern generator produces a string of bit values that serve as an authenticating data portion. The data switch selectively inputs the authenticating data portion to the receive signal line of the transceiver according to the state of the first memory register, enabling the authenticating data portion to be received by the host, thereby authenticating the transceiver.

Abstract: An embodiment disclosed herein relates to a communications module. The communications module includes a body composed of a plastic resin and a plurality of conductive traces and contact pads defined on a portion of a surface of the body. The module also includes at least one substantially vertical ridge defined on the body surface, and at least one pocket defined on the body suitable for receiving an electronic component. The communications module may also include a body composed of a plastic resin and conductive features defined on a surface of the body configured to render the communications module operable without implementing a printed circuit board as part of the body. Additional embodiments relate to systems and methods for attaching one or more optical transmit assemblies to the communications module and for electrically connecting conductive traces in a temporary fashion on the surface of the body of the communications module.

Abstract: An operational optical transceiver configured to initiate operation in loop back mode. The optical transceiver includes transmit and receive signal paths, a memory capable of having microcode written to it, and a configurable switch array that is used to connect and disconnect the two signal paths as appropriate for a desired loop back mode. The microcode is structured to cause the optical transceiver to control the configurable switch array. This allows for analysis and diagnostics of the signal data.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating an optical transceiver module to a host are disclosed. The transceiver comprises a receive signal line for transferring data from the transceiver to the host and a transmit signal line for transferring data from the host to the transceiver in preparation for transmission to a communications network. The transceiver includes a controller having a processor in communication with the host, and a first memory register assignable by the processor. A consolidated laser driver/post amplifier is also included and features a pattern generator and a data switch. The pattern generator produces a string of bit values that serve as an authenticating data portion. The data switch selectively inputs the authenticating data portion to the receive signal line of the transceiver according to the state of the first memory register, enabling the authenticating data portion to be received by the host, thereby authenticating the transceiver.

Abstract: Optical modules for use with a host system. In one example embodiment, a method for tapping an optical network includes connecting one or more optical modules to a host device, providing one or more post amplifiers, and controlling each of the one or more optical modules and the one or more post amplifiers with a microprocessor that is integrated with the host device. In this example method, the one or more optical modules include at least one optical module with a plurality of ROSAs and the post amplifiers amplify electrical signals generated by the ROSAs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the modulation current of a laser included as a component of an optical transmitter, such as an optical transceiver module, are disclosed. Control of the modulation current, which affects various laser operational parameters, including extinction ratio and optical modulation amplitude, enables operation of the laser to be optimized, thereby enabling reliable transceiver performance to be achieved. In one embodiment, a method for modifying the modulation current in an optical transceiver module includes first sensing analog voltage data that proportionally relates to an actual modulation current of the laser. Once sensed, the analog voltage data are converted to digital voltage data. Using the digital voltage data, the actual modulation current of the laser is determined, then a desired modulation current is determined. Should a discrepancy exist between the actual and desired modulation currents, the actual modulation current is modified to match the desired current.

Abstract: An edge connector suitable for attachment with a printed circuit board. The edge connector comprises a body composed of a plastic resin, the body defining a first end that is configured to operably attach to a portion of a printed circuit board and a second end configured to operably connect to a slot in a host device and a plurality of conductive traces and contact pads defined on a portion of a surface of the body, the traces being configured to electrically connect with corresponding traces defined on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An optical transceiver module, having the ability to authenticate itself to a host is disclosed. The transceiver comprises a receive signal line for transferring data from the transceiver to the host and a transmit signal line for transferring data from the host to the transceiver in preparation for transmission to a communications network. The transceiver includes a controller having a processor in communication with the host, and a first memory register assignable by the processor. A consolidated laser driver/post amplifier is also included and features a pattern generator and a data switch. The pattern generator produces a string of bit values that serve as an authenticating data portion. The data switch selectively inputs the authenticating data portion to the receive signal line of the transceiver according to the state of the first memory register, enabling the authenticating data portion to be received by the host, thereby authenticating the transceiver.

Abstract: Integrated optical subassemblies (OSA) such as integrated transmit and receive optical subassemblies that may be implemented with an optical transceiver module that includes a molded body. The integrated OSA includes a mounting surface defined on a vertical portion of the molded body, a wall extending about the mounting surface, at least one optoelectronic device, such as a laser diode or a photodiode mounted on a transimpendence amplifier, positioned on the mounting surface, a plurality of bond pads included on the mounting surface in electrical connection with the at least one optoelectronic device, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs defined through the mounting surface, each feedthrough being in electrical communication with a corresponding one of the bond pads; and an optical fiber port that engages the wall extending about the mounting surface, wherein the optical fiber port is configured for receiving an optical fiber cable.