Organizer for fiber optic components

An optoelectronic module includes a housing and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) positioned within the housing. A positioning member is coupled to the PCB and includes one or more receptacles each configured to receive and secure positioning of an optical component relative to the PCB. The positioning member may include a plurality of receptacles positioned relative to one another in an arrangement defining a vertical array of receptacles, a lateral array of receptacles, or both. In one form, an optical component, when positioned in a receptacle of the positioning member, is spaced from the PCB. The positioning member may be formed of a thermally insulative or thermally conductive material, and a number of optical fibers may be routed between the positioning member and the housing.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to optoelectronic modules. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the positioning and arrangement of various components in optoelectronic modules.

BACKGROUND

Communication modules, such as optoelectronic modules, may include various components that engage in the transmission and reception of optical signals. Some of the components may be housed within a shell of the optoelectronic module. The optoelectronic module itself is operably received within a host device that serves as one component of a communications network.

To engage in optical communication with other communications modules, the optoelectronic module may operably connect with a connectorized fiber optic cable which includes one or more optical fibers. The optoelectronic module may include a transmit port or a receive port configured to receive the connector of the optical fiber. Optical signals may be received or transmitted by the optoelectronic module via the optical fiber. Optical signals received by the optoelectronic module may be converted to electrical signals. Conversely, the optoelectronic module may convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission.

Optoelectronic modules may include a number of components in addition to those already identified, and the relative positioning of these components and optical fibers which may also be present can, under some circumstances, complicate assembly of the optoelectronic modules. In addition, the functionality of certain components within optoelectronic modules may be adversely affected by increased temperatures caused by heat generated during their operation or the operation of other components. Similarly, if components are arranged within an optoelectronic module in a manner that fails to properly dissipate heat from the optoelectronic module, the functionality of the optoelectronic module may suffer.

SUMMARY

In one example embodiment, an optoelectronic module includes a housing and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) positioned within the housing. A positioning member is coupled to the PCB and includes a number of receptacles each configured to receive and secure positioning of an optical component relative to the PCB. When positioned in a first receptacle of the positioning member, an optical component is spaced from the PCB.

In another example embodiment, an optoelectronic module includes a housing and a PCB positioned within the housing. A positioning member is coupled to the PCB and includes a base portion, a vertical portion extending from the base portion, and a first receptacle and a second receptacle positioned on the vertical portion. The first receptacle and the second receptacle are configured to receive and secure positioning of an optical component relative to the PCB, and the first receptacle is positioned between the second receptacle and the PCB.

In still another example embodiment, an optoelectronic module includes a housing and a PCB is positioned within the housing. A positioning member is coupled to the PCB and includes a number of receptacles each configured to receive and secure positioning of an optical component relative to the PCB, and a first receptacle of the number of receptacles is spaced from the PCB toward a heat dissipating exterior portion of the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspects of example embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such example embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

The present disclosure generally relates to optoelectronic modules. In particular, some embodiments relate to optoelectronic modules which include a positioning member coupled to a PCB and configured to receive and position one or more optical components relative to the PCB. Although various embodiments are described in the context of optoelectronic modules used in the field of optical networking, the embodiments disclosed herein may be employed in other fields or operating environments where the functionality disclosed herein may be useful. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be construed to be limited to the example implementations and operating environments disclosed herein.

With general reference toFIGS. 1-3for example, there is illustrated an example embodiment of an optoelectronic module100. As illustrated, optoelectronic module100includes a housing102that extends along a longitudinal axis L of optoelectronic module100between a first end104and a second end106of optoelectronic module100. Housing102includes a first cover108, a second cover110, and an intermediate portion112configured to engage with first cover108and second cover110.

During use of optoelectronic module100, one or more of the components included in housing102may produce heat, and the functionality of some of these components may be adversely affected when subjected to increased temperature. To control the temperature inside housing102and avoid heat related impact to components therein, housing102may be formed of a thermally conductive material such that housing102may transfer heat from its interior to, for example, the ambient atmosphere in which it is used. In addition, one or more aspects of the physical structure of housing102may be designed to enhance the transfer of heat from optoelectronic module100. As identified inFIG. 2for example, first cover108in the illustrated form includes a plurality of elongate fins114positioned between first end104and second end106and extending along longitudinal axis L. A plurality of spaces116are positioned between and separate elongate fins114from one another. For the sake of clarity, only a few of elongate fins114and spaces116have been identified inFIG. 2. The design of first cover108including elongate fins114and spaces116increases its exterior surface area, and its ability to transfer heat to the ambient atmosphere, relative to forms where these features are not present. When optoelectronic module100is used in the orientation illustrated, i.e., where first cover108is on the upper side of optoelectronic module100, heat within housing102will rise toward first cover108which may, in turn, transfer the heat to the ambient atmosphere.

Intermediate portion112includes a pair of oppositely positioned sidewalls118and120which, in cooperation with first cover108and second cover110when these components are engaged with intermediate portion112, entirely or substantially enclose a hollow interior122of optoelectronic module100. Hollow interior122houses a number of components of optoelectronic module100including, for example, PCB124. Further details of PCB124and other components which may be housed in hollow interior122are provided below.

First end104of optoelectronic module100is configured to interface with one or more fiber optic cables (not shown), which may be releasably connected to first end104. In one form where a fiber optic cable is releasably connected to optoelectronic module100, optoelectronic module100may function as a stand-alone module. However, optoelectronic module100may be permanently attached to a fiber optic cable, and thus optoelectronic module100represents one end of an “active cable” which may include another optoelectronic module permanently attached to the other end of the fiber optic cable. In some embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a multichannel fiber-optic communication cable that includes two fibers, one of which is employed to transfer data signals in one direction, and the other of which is employed to transfer data signals in the opposite direction.

Optoelectronic module100may be designed to be plugged into a larger electronic system such as a PCB of a host device or the like. For example, optoelectronic module100may include a latching mechanism with a handle that may be operated to fasten or release optoelectronic module100with respect to other components In some configurations, the latching mechanism may include a slider operably connected to a cam and configured to cause the cam to rotate about an axis of rotation to displace an end of a latch to disengage the latch from a host receptacle. Once mounted to a host PCB, optoelectronic module100may be configured to communicate data between the host device and a network, for example. The subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to pluggable modules, and therefore forms in which optoelectronic module100does not include any type of latching mechanism are also possible.

With further reference toFIGS. 4 and 5for example, PCB124may include transmit and receive amplifiers which may be combined or intertwined with one another, and are therefore not seen as separate components on PCB124. Examples of other components which PCB124may include are a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) or a receiver optical subassembly (ROSA). A plurality of receptacles126may be optically coupled with various optical components via optical fibers128or130. Alternative forms for optically coupling the optical components with receptacles126are contemplated. When present, a TOSA may include an array of transmitters and a ROSA may include an array of receivers. In addition to other components which may be present, optoelectronic module100includes pump lasers132and tap photodiodes134in the illustrated form. In the illustrated form, pump lasers132are positioned on a first side of PCB124while tap photodiodes134are positioned on a second, opposite side of PCB124along with a number of optical fibers forming fiber coil156.

The various optical components of optoelectronic module100may be directly soldered to PCB, or they may be electrically coupled to PCB124with an electrical connector such as a flex circuit or other suitable electrical connector.

PCB124may include an edge connector136that is configured to be coupled with other components, such as a host device. As best seen inFIG. 1for example, edge connector136is positioned between first cover108and second cover110of housing102to provide access to edge connector136by the host device. Similarly, it second end106of optoelectronic module100may be sized and shaped to interface with the host receptacle. In one form for example, optoelectronic module100may be positioned at least partially inside of the host receptacle and a latching mechanism, if present, may fasten or release optoelectronic module100with respect to the host receptacle.

Sidewall118of intermediate portion112of housing102includes a first pair of tabs138,140extending into hollow interior122. Similarly, sidewall120of intermediate portion112of housing102includes a first pair of tabs142,144positioned on an opposite side of longitudinal axis L from tabs138,140and extending into hollow interior122. Tabs138,140and142,144cooperate to assist in positioning of the optical fibers of fiber coil146in hollow interior122relative to PCB124and other components of optoelectronic module100. Sidewall118of intermediate portion112of housing102also includes a second pair of tabs148,150extending into hollow interior122and positioned opposite of the first pair of tabs138,140. Similarly, sidewall120of intermediate portion112of housing102also includes a second pair of tabs152,154positioned opposite of the first pair of tabs140,142and on an opposite side of longitudinal axis L from tabs148,150. Tabs152,154also extend into hollow interior122, and in cooperation with tabs148,150, assist in positioning of the optical fibers of fiber coil156in hollow interior122relative to PCB124and other components of optoelectronic module100.

Optoelectronic module100further includes a positioning member158positioned on or coupled to PCB124on the same side of PCB124as, and adjacent to, pump lasers132; however other variations in positioning are contemplated and possible. Generally speaking, positioning member158is structured to receive and secure positioning of a number of optical components that may be included in optoelectronic module100. As best seen in connection withFIGS. 6 and 7for example, positioning member158includes a base portion160, a first vertical portion162extending from base portion160, and a second vertical portion164extending from base portion160. When positioning member158is positioned on PCB124, first vertical portion162and second vertical portion164generally extend away from base portion160in a direction which is transverse to longitudinal axis L of optoelectronic module100. A pressure sensitive adhesive161or other suitable adhesive may be positioned on a surface of base portion160and may be used to adhere or couple positioning member158to PCB124. While not shown, pressure sensitive adhesive161may include a release liner which may be removed before positioning member158is positioned on PCB124.

In the illustrated embodiment, first vertical portion162is laterally spaced from second vertical portion164such that positioning member158includes a surface163extending between vertical portions162and164, and an open interior165in which one or more components of optoelectronic module100may be positioned. In other non-illustrated forms, the relative positioning of first vertical portion162and second vertical portion164may vary and, by way of example, in some forms positioning member158may include only one of first vertical portion162and second vertical portion164. In these forms, the remaining vertical portion may retain the positioning of the illustrated form, although it is also possible that the vertical portion may also be positioned differently. For example, a single vertical portion could be positioned at or near the middle of base portion160.

Positioning member158also includes receptacles166,168,170and172, each of which is configured to receive and secure positioning of at least one optical component relative to positioning member158and PCB124. In the illustrated form, first vertical portion162includes receptacles166and168, and second vertical portion164includes receptacles170and172. In this arrangement, receptacles166and168define a first vertical array of receptacles, and receptacles170and172define a second vertical array of receptacles. Moreover, when positioning member158is coupled to PCB124, optical components positioned in receptacles166and170are positioned above and spaced apart from PCB124, and receptacles168and172are positioned between receptacles166and170and PCB124. In this arrangement, optical components positioned in receptacles166and170are positioned closer to first cover108such that heat generated from these components may rise toward, and be absorbed by, first cover108rather than other components in housing102. As indicated above, first cover108includes features structured to facilitate transfer of heat from electronic module100to the ambient atmosphere surrounding optoelectronic module100during its use.

Receptacles166and168are generally separated by a ridge174, and receptacles170and172are generally separated by a ridge176. One or both of vertical portions162and164could include a different number of receptacles relative to what is shown in the illustrated form. For example, one or both of vertical portions162and164could include fewer receptacles than what is shown in the illustrated form, or one or both of vertical portions162and164could include more receptacles than what is shown in the illustrated form.

Receptacles166and168generally open in a direction facing away from second vertical portion164, and receptacles170and172generally open in a direction facing away from first vertical portion162. In this arrangement, optical components may be positioned in receptacles168and170, and receptacles172and174, from opposite sides of positioning member158. However, other variations are contemplated. For example, forms are possible where one or both of vertical portions162and164includes one or more receptacles (in addition to or in lieu of receptacles166,168,170, and172) positioned opposite of the illustrated receptacles166,168,170, and172and opening toward a respective one of first vertical portion162or second vertical portion164. In these forms, one or more optical components may be partially positioned in open interior165and received in a corresponding receptacle on first vertical portion162or second vertical portion164.

Receptacle166includes a first surface178which generally extends transversely to first vertical portion162, and a second surface180which generally extends transversely to first surface178and first vertical portion162. Similarly, first surface178and second surface180extend in a non-parallel fashion relative to one another. Receptacle166also includes a third surface182which extends between and connects first surface178and second surface180. Third surface182also generally extends in-line with first vertical portion162and transversely to first surface178and second surface180. A pressure sensitive adhesive184or other suitable adhesive may be positioned on third surface182and includes a liner186which may be removed before an optical component is positioned in receptacle166so that the optical component may be properly adhered by pressure sensitive adhesive184and retained in receptacle166. In addition to or in lieu of third surface184, one or both of first surface178and second surface180may include a pressure sensitive adhesive or other suitable adhesive. Each of receptacles168,170and172in the illustrated form includes the same features which have been identified and described in connection with receptacle166. These features have not been expressly identified in the accompanying figures to preserve clarity. In other non-illustrated forms, the features of receptacles166,168,170and172may vary relative to one another.

With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4for example, positioning member158receives and secures positioning of optical components188,190,192and194relative to PCB124and other components of optoelectronic module100. More specifically, optical component188is positioned in receptacle166, optical component190is positioned in receptacle168, optical component192is positioned in receptacle170, and optical component194is positioned in receptacle172. Optical components188,190,192and194generally extend parallel to longitudinal axis L, although different variations are possible depending on the exact positioning of positioning member158relative to PCB124. In the illustrated arrangement, optical component188is vertically positioned over optical component190, and optical component192is vertically positioned over optical component194. Given the presence of positioning member158, the optical components may be positioned in the illustrated arrangement without the use of any adhesive or similar materials between the individual optical components themselves or between these components and PCB124, although such use is not precluded. For example, optical component188may be vertically positioned over optical component190without the presence of any adhesive or similar material between these components or between optical component190and PCB124, and optical component192is vertically positioned over optical component194without the presence of any adhesive or similar material between these components or between optical component194and PCB124.

Amongst other things, the vertical arrangement of optical components188and190relative to one another provides a space between these components and sidewall118of intermediate portion112of housing102, and this space also extends from PCB124to first cover108. A similar space is provided between sidewall120of intermediate portion112of housing102and optical components192and194given the vertical arrangement of these components. As a result, the optical fibers of fiber coil146may be vertically positioned on top of one another from PCB124to the underside of tabs138,140and tabs148,150which allows the optical fibers to be routed in an arrangement that is more conducive to the natural properties of the optical fibers. For example, the illustrated arrangement provides a larger and more consistent bend radius of the optical fibers relative to forms where, for example, the optical fibers are more generally positioned laterally or side by side to one another between the optical components and sidewalls118and120and the space is not open from PCB124to first cover108. The illustrated arrangement may also provide conditions which are more suitable for sequential splicing operations, and the vertical arrangement of optical components188and190and of optical components192and194provide a wall-like structure which restrains lateral movement of the optical fibers within housing102.

While not intending to be limited to any particular form, positioning member158may be formed through the extrusion of a plastic/polymeric material or a metallic material. Depending on its intended use, positioning member158may exhibit electrically or thermally insulative properties, electrically or thermally conductive properties, or have discrete portions each exhibiting electrically or thermally insulative properties or electrically or thermally conductive properties. By way of example, when electrically or thermally insulative properties are desired, positioning member158may be formed of a plastic/polymeric material, and when electrically or thermally conductive properties are desired, positioning member158may be formed of a metallic material. Depending on the use of positioning member158, pressure sensitive adhesive161may be thermally or electrically conductive, or it may be thermally or electrically insulative. Similarly, pressure sensitive adhesive184in each of receptacles166,168,170and172may be thermally or electrically conductive, or it may be thermally or electrically insulative. Also, forms in which properties of pressure sensitive adhesive184vary between different ones of receptacles166,168,170and172are also possible. For example, pressure sensitive adhesive184in receptacle166could be thermally conductive while pressure sensitive adhesive184in remaining receptacles168,170and172is thermally insulative.

As indicated above, use of positioning member158in optoelectronic module100may assist in regulating the temperature of optoelectronic module100because, for example, optical components positioned in receptacles166and170are positioned closer to first cover108such that heat generated from these components may rise toward, and be absorbed by, first cover108rather than other components in housing102. Heat absorbed by first cover108may then be transferred to the ambient atmosphere surrounding optoelectronic module100during its use. Moreover, while not being limited to such a configuration, as described above the illustrated configuration of first cover108is intended to increase heat transfer to the ambient atmosphere due to its increased surface area provided by the presence of elongate fins114.

The use of positioning member158with certain thermally conductive or insulative properties may also assist with controlling temperature of optoelectronic module100(including of components positioned therein), directing heat for efficient transfer from optoelectronic module100, or both. In one form for example, use of a positioning member158formed from a thermally insulative material may be desired when one or more of the optical components positioned by positioning member158generates heat and positioning member158is positioned over or near one or more components of PCB124which are sensitive to increased temperatures. In this form, the insulative properties of positioning member158prevent or impede the transfer of heat through positioning member158and, in turn, limit the absorption of heat by PCB124or components included thereon. In this form, pressure sensitive material161may exhibit thermally insulative properties. In another form for example, when positioning member158is positioned over or near one or more components of PCB124which generate heat, such as a semiconductor package, then positioning member158may be formed of a thermally conductive material so that it can absorb heat from PCB124or relevant component(s) thereof and function as a heatsink, radiator or thermal conduit for PCB124or relevant component(s) thereof. In this form, pressure sensitive material161may exhibit thermally conductive properties.

In another form, positioning member158may be formed of a thermally conductive material when it is used with one or more optical components that generate heat such that positioning member158may serve as a heatsink or provide a thermal transfer function for these components. In this form, pressure sensitive material184in receptacles166,168,170and172in which the heat generating components are positioned may exhibit thermally conductive properties, while pressure sensitive adhesive161may exhibit thermally insulative properties, although other variations are contemplated and possible.

In the form illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4for example, pump lasers132are positioned on PCB124at a location adjacent to positioning member158. However, alternative variations for the positioning of pump lasers132relative to positioning member158are possible. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8, pump lasers132are positioned on positioning member158(e.g., within open interior165) which may be formed of a thermally conductive material such that it serves as a heatsink or provides a thermal transfer function for heat generated by pump lasers132. In this form, pump lasers132may be coupled to positioning member158with a pressure sensitive adhesive which exhibits thermally conductive properties, and positioning member158may be coupled to PCB124with pressure sensitive adhesive161which exhibits thermally insulative properties, although other variations are contemplated and possible.

An alternative embodiment positioning member196which may be included in optoelectronic module100in addition to or in lieu of positioning member158is illustrated inFIGS. 9-11. Generally speaking, positioning member196is structured to receive and secure positioning of a number of optical components that may be included in optoelectronic module100. As best seen in connection withFIG. 10for example, positioning member196includes a base portion198from which a mounting portion200extends. With reference toFIG. 11, mounting portion200includes a pair of oppositely positioned sidewalls202and204which extend between first end206and second end208of base portion198. In the illustrated form, sidewalls202and204have a generally linear configuration adjacent second end208that transitions to a generally arcuate configuration approaching first end206. In addition, sidewall202is inwardly spaced from first side210of base portion198while sidewall204is inwardly spaced from second side212of base portion198. While a specific configuration of mounting portion200has been described, other variations in the size and shape of mounting portion200relative to base portion198are contemplated and possible. A pressure sensitive adhesive may be positioned on a surface of mounting portion200and may be used to adhere or couple positioning member196to PCB124. The pressure sensitive adhesive may include a release liner which may be removed before positioning member196is positioned on PCB124.

Positioning member196includes receptacles214and216, each of which is configured to receive and secure positioning of at least one optical component relative to positioning member196and PCB124. In the illustrated form, receptacles214and216are formed in base portion198and are laterally spaced from one another by a ridge218. In this arrangement, receptacles214and216define a lateral array of receptacles. Positioning member196may include a number of receptacles in addition to receptacles214and216. When positioning member196is coupled to PCB124, optical components positioned in receptacles214and216are positioned above and spaced apart from PCB124. For example, the presence of mounting portion200in combination with base portion198spaces receptacles214and216above PCB124. In this arrangement, optical components positioned in receptacles214and216are positioned closer to first cover108such that heat generated from these components may rise toward, and be absorbed by, first cover108rather than other components in housing102. As indicated above, first cover108includes features structured to facilitate transfer of heat from electronic module100to the ambient atmosphere surrounding optoelectronic module100during its use.

Receptacles214and216generally open in a direction facing away from mounting portion200, and from PCB124when positioning member196is positioned on PCB124. In this arrangement, optical components may be positioned in receptacles214and216from a side thereof opposite of PCB124. However, other variations are contemplated. For example, positioning member196may also optionally include one or both, or more, of laterally opening receptacles220and222(shown in phantom inFIG. 10). When a plurality of receptacles220,222, or both are present, then positioning member196may provide a corresponding number of vertical arrays of receptacles formed by the respective number of receptacles220or222present. When laterally opening receptacles such as receptacles220and222are present, optical components may also be positioned in receptacles220and222from opposite sides of positioning member196.

Receptacle214includes a first surface224which generally extends transversely to a second surface226. Receptacle214also includes a third surface228which extends between and connects first surface224and second surface226. Third surface228generally extends transversely to first surface224and second surface226. Receptacle216includes a first surface230which generally extends transversely to a second surface232. Receptacle216also includes a third surface234which extends between and connects first surface230and second surface232. Third surface234generally extends transversely to first surface230and second surface232. While not shown, a pressure sensitive adhesive or other suitable adhesive may be positioned on any one or more of surfaces224,226,228,230,232, and234. The pressure sensitive adhesive may include a liner which may be removed before an optical component is positioned in receptacle214or216so that the optical component may be properly adhered by the pressure sensitive adhesive and retained in receptacle214or216. While not specifically discussed herein, the features of receptacles214and216may vary relative to one another.

Positioning member196may receive and secure positioning of one or more optical components relative to PCB124and other components of optoelectronics module100. When present in receptacles214and216, the optical components are laterally positioned relative to one another and may, for example, generally extend parallel to longitudinal axis L, although different variations are possible depending on the exact positioning of positioning member196relative to PCB124. Given the presence of positioning member196, the optical components may be positioned without the use of any adhesive or similar materials between the individual optical components themselves or between these components and PCB124, although such use is not precluded.

In one form, positioning member196may be positioned in and used in combination with positioning member158. However, positioning member196position may be used in combination with but spaced from positioning member158, or positioning member196may be used without positioning member158. When used alone and positioning member196is positioned near the center of PCB124, a space may be provided between positioning member196and sidewall118of intermediate portion112of housing102, and this space also extends from PCB124to first cover108. A similar space may be provided between sidewall120of intermediate portion112of housing102and positioning member196. As a result, the optical fibers of fiber coil146may be vertically positioned on top of one another from PCB124to the underside of tabs138,140and tabs148,150which allows the optical fibers to be routed in an arrangement that is more conducive to the natural properties of the optical fibers. An arrangement of this nature may provide a larger and more consistent bend radius of the optical fibers relative to forms where, for example, the optical fibers are more generally positioned laterally or side by side to one another between optical components and sidewalls118and120. The illustrated arrangement may also provide conditions which are more suitable for sequential splicing operations, and the positioning of positioning member196may provide a wall-like structure which restrains lateral movement of the optical fibers within housing102.

While not intending to be limited to any particular form, positioning member196may be formed through the extrusion of a plastic/polymeric material or a metallic material. Depending on its intended use, positioning member196may exhibit electrically or thermally insulative properties, electrically or thermally conductive properties, or have discrete portions each exhibiting electrically or thermally insulative properties or electrically or thermally conductive properties. By way of example, when electrically or thermally insulative properties are desired, positioning member196may be formed of a plastic/polymeric material, and when electrically or thermally conductive properties are desired, positioning member196may be formed of a metallic material. Depending on the use of positioning member196, the pressure sensitive adhesive used to couple positioning member196to PCB124may be thermally or electrically conductive, or it may be thermally or electrically insulative. Similarly, the pressure sensitive adhesive used in receptacles214and216may be thermally or electrically conductive, or it may be thermally or electrically insulative. Also, forms in which properties of the pressure sensitive adhesive vary between receptacles214and216are also possible. For example, the pressure sensitive adhesive in receptacle214could be thermally conductive while the pressure sensitive adhesive in receptacle216is thermally insulative.

As indicated above, use of positioning member196in optoelectronic module100may assist in regulating the temperature of optoelectronic module100because, for example, optical components positioned in receptacles214and216are positioned closer to first cover108such that heat generated from these components may rise toward, and be absorbed by, first cover108rather than other components in housing102. Heat absorbed by first cover108may then be transferred to the ambient atmosphere surrounding optoelectronic module100during its use. Moreover, while not being limited to such a configuration, as described above the illustrated configuration of first cover108is intended to increase heat transfer to the ambient atmosphere due to its increased surface area provided by the presence of elongate fins114.

The use of positioning member196with certain thermally conductive or insulative properties may also assist with controlling temperature of optoelectronic module100(including of components positioned therein), directing heat for efficient transfer from optoelectronic module100, or both. In one form for example, use of a positioning member196formed from a thermally insulative material may be desired when one or more of the optical components positioned by positioning member196generates heat and positioning member196is positioned over or near one or more components of PCB124which are sensitive to increased temperatures. In this form, the insulative properties of positioning member196prevent or impede the transfer of heat through positioning member196and, in turn, limit the absorption of heat by PCB124or components included thereon. In this form, the pressure sensitive material used to couple positioning member196to PCB124may exhibit thermally insulative properties. In another form for example, when positioning member196is positioned over or near one or more components of PCB124which generate heat, such as a semiconductor package, then positioning member196may be formed of a thermally conductive material so that it can absorb heat from PCB124or relevant component(s) thereof and function as a heatsink, radiator or thermal conduit for PCB124or relevant component(s) thereof. In this form, the pressure sensitive material used to couple positioning member196to PCB124may exhibit thermally conductive properties.

In another form, positioning member196may be formed of a thermally conductive material when it is used with one or more optical components that generate heat such that positioning member196may serve as a heatsink or provide a thermal transfer function for these components. In this form, the pressure sensitive material in receptacles214and216in which the heat generating components are positioned may exhibit thermally conductive properties, while the pressure sensitive material used to couple positioning member196to PCB124may exhibit thermally insulative properties, although other variations are possible.

The optical components described herein which may be received and positioned by positioning members158and196may be provided in a number of different forms and with a number of different functionalities. In some aspects, optical components may be present which perform a single function or multiple functions, or there may be single and multiple function optical components present. In one aspect, one or more of the optical components received and positioned by positioning members158and196may be fusion spliced fiber optical components. In some aspects, one or more of the optical components received and positioned by positioning members158and196generate heat during operation. Particular forms of the optical components which may be received and positioned by positioning members158and196include isolators, splitters, tap couplers, wavelength division multiplexers, gain flattening filters, combination isolators and wavelength division multiplexers, and combination isolators and gain flattening filters, just to provide a few examples.

In one aspect, the optical components which may be received and positioned by positioning members158and196may include fused-fiber devices housed in a cylindrical housing or packaging. In these components, bare fibers are epoxied into slotted glass rods which are further protected by a concentric layer of shrink tubing, and then covered by an outer concentric metal or glass tube to provide a reliable device that can withstand environmental conditions such as vibration and high humidity/high temperature exposure. The optical components which may be received and positioned by positioning members158and196may also include hybrid (i.e., multi-function) free-space components in which the optical signal from an incoming fiber is expanded with a collimating lens and then passed through two or more sections that produce desirable optical effects (such as isolation, beamsplitting or filtering) and then directed into an output fiber using a similar collimating lens. Hybrid free-space components of this nature may also be housed in a cylindrical housing or packaging.

With reference to optical components188,190,192and194shown inFIGS. 3 and 4for example, these components may be provided with a configuration having a cylindrical housing or packaging, and the receptacles of positioning members158and196are configured for receiving optical components having this configuration. However, the shape or configuration of the receptacles of positioning members158and196may vary as the shape or configuration of the housing of the optical components intended to be received therein changes. For example, in the event the housing of the optical component includes a square or rectangular configuration, then one or more of the receptacles could be provided with a corresponding size and shape suited for receiving these optical components.

In one aspect, an optoelectronic module is provided with one or more components configured for managing heat created by one or more components contained therein to reduce the operating temperature of various components of the module and thereby potentially avoid undesired temperature driven performance issues of various components. In this or another aspect, an optoelectronic module includes a PCB having larger and heat-dissipating devices, such as laser pumps, positioned on its first side, and smaller optical components, such as taps, photodiodes and variable optical attenuators, positioned on its opposite, second side.

In one aspect, a method of assembling an optoelectronic module includes coupling a positioning having a number of receptacles for receiving and securing positioning of a number of optical components to a PCB. The method also includes positioning an optical component in at least one predetermined location defined by the location of the receptacle in which the optical component is being positioned. In an alternative form, a number of optical components may be arranged relative to one another and a positioning member as disclosed herein, and the positioning member may thereafter be coupled to a PCB.

Unless specific arrangements described herein are mutually exclusive with one another, the various implementations described herein can be combined to enhance system functionality or to produce complementary functions. Likewise, aspects of the implementations may be implemented in standalone arrangements. Thus, the above description has been given by way of example only and modification in detail may be made within the scope of the present invention.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc.). Also, a phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to include one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”