Patent ID: 7708475
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: G02B,H05K

Abstract:
1. An electro-optical assembly (EA) comprising: a circuit board having electrical conductors and one or more mounting surfaces; a transmitter mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to one or more of the electrical conductors of the circuit board, the transmitter including at least a light source for producing optical signals and a transmitter integrated circuit (IC) for driving the light source; a receiver mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to one or more of the electrical conductors of the circuit board, the receiver including at least a photodetector and a receiver IC, the photodetector being configured to detect optical signals and to produce electrical signals corresponding to the detected optical signals, the receiver IC having circuitry configured to process electrical signals produced by the photodetector; and an optically transmissive encapsulation that encapsulates at least a portion of the circuit board, the encapsulated portion of the circuit board including at least the transmitter and the receiver, the encapsulation providing a moisture barrier that prevents moisture from entering the encapsulated portion of the circuit board and providing mechanical protection of the EA; a first optical element formed in the optically transmissive encapsulation at a location adjacent the photodetector, the first optical element having a shape configured for receiving an end of a receive optical fiber and for passively aligning the end of the receive optical fiber with the photodetector, wherein the shape of the first optical element includes a first lens surface that is in proximity to the photodetector for coupling optical signals passing out of the end of the receive optical fiber onto the photodetector; and a second optical element formed in the optically transmissive encapsulation at a location adjacent the light source, the second optical element having a shape configured for receiving an end of a transmit optical fiber and for passively aligning the end of the transmit optical fiber with the light source, wherein the shape of the second optical element includes a second lens surface that is in proximity to the light source for coupling optical signals produced by the light source onto the end of the transmit optical fiber.