Optical fiber module

An optical fiber module includes: a casing; a first optical fiber having a portion in the casing; a first optical transmitter in the casing, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit a first optical signal to the first optical fiber; a second optical fiber having a portion in the casing, wherein optical signals transmitted through the second optical fiber are independent from those transmitted through the first optical fiber; and a first optical receiver in the casing, wherein the first optical receiver is configured to receive a second optical signal from the second optical fiber.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates to an optical fiber module, and more particularly, to an optical fiber module with multiple channels for data transmission and reception.

2. Brief Description of the Related Art

Typically, optical sub-assembly for a transceiver can be classified into transmitting optical sub-assembly (TOSA) for transmitting optical signals, receiving optical sub-assembly (ROSA) for receiving optical signals, bi-directional optical sub-assembly (BOSA) composed of TOSA and ROSA for transmitting and receiving optical signals in the same optical fiber that can transmit bi-directional optical signals and tri-directional optical sub-assembly (TRI-DI OSA) composed of TOSA and ROSA for transmitting and receiving optical signals in the same optical fiber that can transmit tri-directional optical signals. An optical fiber module may include the TOSA, ROSA, BOSA of TRI-DI OSA for converting electronic signals into optical signals and/or converting optical signals into electronic signals and an optical fiber coupler for coupling optical signals from TOSA, BOSA or TRI-DI OSA to an optical fiber and/or coupling optical signals from an optical fiber to ROSA, BOSA or TRI-DI OSA.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention provides an optical fiber module for data transmission in multiple independent channels. The optical fiber module may comprise: a casing; a first optical fiber having a portion in the casing; a first optical transmitter in the casing, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit a first optical signal to the first optical fiber; a second optical fiber having a portion in the casing, wherein optical signals transmitted through the second optical fiber are independent from those transmitted through the first optical fiber; and a first optical receiver in the casing, wherein the first optical receiver is configured to receive a second optical signal from the second optical fiber.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise multiple first contacts aligned in a first line and configured for external connection of the optical fiber module and multiple second contacts aligned in a second line and misaligned with the first line, wherein the second contacts are configured for external connection of the optical fiber module, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit the first optical signal to the first optical fiber based on data transmitted through a first one of the first and second contacts, wherein a second one of the first and second contacts is configured to transmit data based on the second optical signal.

In an example of the present invention, a third one of the first and second contacts may be configured to transmit information of indicating whether a light is emitted from the first optical transmitter, to transmit information of indicating whether a light is transmitted from the second optical fiber to the first optical receiver, to transmit information of controlling whether the data transmitted through the first one of the first and second contacts loop back to a fourth one of the first and second contacts, to be electrically grounded, to transmit analog information generated by an analog indicator of the optical fiber module, to transmit information of indicating whether a temperature in the optical fiber module is abnormal, or to transmit information of indicating whether a voltage applied in the optical fiber module is abnormal.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise a circuit board in the casing, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit the first optical signal to the first optical fiber based on data from the circuit board, wherein the circuit board is configured to transmit data based on the second optical signal.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise a flexible circuit film electrically connecting the first optical transmitter to the circuit board.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise a flexible circuit film electrically connecting the first optical receiver to the circuit board.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise multiple first pins aligned in a first line and configured for external connection of the optical fiber module and multiple second pins aligned in a second line and misaligned with the first line, wherein the second pins are configured for external connection of the optical fiber module, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit the first optical signal to the first optical fiber based on data transmitted through a first one of the first and second pins, wherein a second one of the first and second pins is configured to transmit data based on the second optical signal, wherein the first optical transmitter and receiver are over the circuit board and the first and second pins are under the circuit board.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise multiple first pins aligned in a first line and configured for external connection of the optical fiber module and multiple second pins aligned in a second line and misaligned with the first line, wherein the second pins are configured for external connection of the optical fiber module, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit the first optical signal to the first optical fiber based on data transmitted through a first one of the first and second pins, wherein a second one of the first and second pins is configured to transmit data based on the second optical signal, wherein the first optical transmitter and receiver and the first and second pins are under the circuit board.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise multiple first pins aligned in a first line and configured for external connection of the optical fiber module, multiple second pins aligned in a second line and misaligned with the first line and a flexible circuit film connecting the first optical receiver to the circuit board across over the first optical transmitter, wherein the second pins are configured for external connection of the optical fiber module, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit the first optical signal to the first optical fiber based on data transmitted through a first one of the first and second pins, wherein a second one of the first and second pins is configured to transmit data based on the second optical signal, wherein the first and second pins are under the circuit board.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise a second optical receiver in the casing, wherein the second optical receiver is configured to receive a third optical signal from the first optical fiber, a second optical transmitter in the casing, wherein the second optical transmitter is configured to emit a fourth optical signal to the second optical fiber, a first filter in an optical path between the first optical fiber and the first optical transmitter and in an optical path between the first optical fiber and the second optical receiver and a second filter in an optical path between the second optical fiber and the first optical receiver and in an optical path between the second optical fiber and the second optical transmitter.

In an example of the present invention, the optical fiber module may further comprise a first ferrule in the casing, wherein an internal passageway in the first ferrule receives the portion of the first optical fiber, and a second ferrule in the casing, wherein an internal passageway in the second ferrule receives the portion of the second optical fiber. The first optical fiber may extend from the internal of the casing to the external of the casing. The second optical fiber may extend from the internal of the casing to the external of the casing.

In example of the present invention, the portion of the first optical fiber may extend in a first direction and the portion of the second optical fiber may extend in a second direction, wherein the first ferrule may have a first surface inclined from a first edge of the first ferrule to a second edge of the first ferrule opposite to the first edge of the first ferrule with respect to the first direction, wherein the first optical fiber may have a second surface, at a terminal end of the first optical fiber, substantially coplanar with the first surface of the first ferrule, wherein the second ferrule may have a third surface inclined from a first edge of the second ferrule to a second edge of the second ferrule opposite to the first edge of the second ferrule with respect to the second direction, wherein the second optical fiber may have a fourth surface, at a terminal end of the second optical fiber, substantially coplanar with the third surface of the second ferrule.

These, as well as other components, steps, features, benefits, and advantages of the present disclosure, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

While certain embodiments are depicted in the drawings, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments depicted are illustrative and that variations of those shown, as well as other embodiments described herein, may be envisioned and practiced within the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments are now described. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for a more effective presentation. Conversely, some embodiments may be practiced without all of the details that are disclosed.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1shows a bottom view of a pigtail type of optical fiber module with dual-channel connection in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a perspective view showing a structure of a pigtail type of optical fiber module in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a pigtail type of optical fiber module in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIGS. 1-3, for a pigtail type of optical fiber module100, two independent channels110, each composed of an optical fiber111for transmitting optical signals and a protection jacket114enclosing the optical fiber111for protecting the optical fiber111, may be mechanically and optically coupled to the optical fiber module100, wherein the optical signals transmitted through one of the optical fibers111may be independent from those transmitted through the other one of the optical fibers111.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the optical fiber module100may include two transmitting and receiving modules50, having the same internal structures, arranged in parallel and in a casing30of the optical fiber module100. Each of the transmitting and receiving modules50may include an optical receiver23, such as photodiodes, for receiving optical signals from the external devices through one of the optical fibers111and converting the received optical signals into electronic signals to be transmitted to a controller or computer through some of pins or electrical contacts1-20of the optical fiber module100. Further, the optical fiber module100may receive electronic signals from the controller or computer through some of the pins or contacts1-20and each of the transmitting and receiving modules50may include an optical transmitter21, i.e. light source, such as laser emitter or laser diode (LD), for converting the received electronic signals into optical signals to be transmitted to the external devices through one of the optical fibers111.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the optical fiber module100may include a circuit board70, such as printed circuit board or ceramic circuit board, having the optical transmitting and receiving modules50mounted thereon, that is, the optical transmitters21and receivers23may be arranged over the top surface of the circuit board70. The pins or contacts1-20,25and26extending downwards from a bottom surface of the circuit board70may pass through holes in the circuit board70and joins the circuit board70. The optical transmitters21may be configured to emit optical signals to the optical fibers111respectively based on data from the circuit board70. Further, the circuit board70may be configured to transmit data based on optical signals received by the optical receivers23from the optical fibers111respectively.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the optical fiber module100may include two flexible circuit films71over the circuit board70and in the casing30for electrically coupling the circuit board70to the optical transmitters21respectively. The flexible circuit films71perform the same function and have the same structure for connection, and for brief description, one of the flexible circuit films71is illustrated as below. The flexible circuit film71may couple corresponding electrical pins51, arranged in a vertical plane, at a back side of the corresponding optical transmitter21to corresponding electrical contacts72, arranged in a horizontal plane, of the circuit board70, wherein the electrical contacts72are at a top side of the circuit board270. The corresponding electrical pins51may pass through holes in the flexible circuit film71and joins ring-shaped electrical contacts73of the flexible circuit film71by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. The flexible circuit film71may have electrical contacts74joining the corresponding electrical contacts72of the circuit board70by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. Accordingly, electronic signals or data streams may be transmitted from the circuit board70to the corresponding optical transmitter21through the flexible circuit film71.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, electrical pins64at a bottom side of the corresponding optical receiver23may pass through holes in the circuit board70and joins the circuit board70by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy, so as to electrically and mechanically couple the corresponding optical receiver23to the circuit board70.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the transmitting and receiving modules50perform the same function and have the same internal structure for optically coupling, and for brief description, one of the transmitting and receiving modules50is illustrated as below.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the transmitting and receiving module50may include an optical filter52in the casing30and in optical paths between the corresponding optical fiber111and the corresponding optical transmitter21and between the corresponding optical fiber111and the corresponding optical receiver23. Lights with first specific wavelengths from the corresponding optical transmitter21may be configured to pass the optical filter52to the corresponding optical fiber111. The optical filter52may be configured to reflect lights with second specific wavelengths from the corresponding optical fiber111to the corresponding optical receiver23. For the pigtail type of optical fiber module100, the corresponding optical fiber111extending from the optical fiber module100to the external devices may be optically coupled to the corresponding optical transmitter21and receiver23not through any optical fiber, that is, directly optically coupled to the optical filter52.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the transmitting and receiving module50may include an optical filter53in the casing30and in an optical path between the optical filter52and the corresponding optical receiver23. Lights with third specific wavelengths, within the second ones, from the optical filter52may be configured to pass the optical filter53to the corresponding optical receiver23.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a fixture154, in the casing30, configured to fix with the corresponding optical transmitter21, the corresponding optical receiver23and the filters52and53. The corresponding optical transmitter21may be at a back side of the fixture154and face forward to emit lights to the corresponding optical fiber111through the optical filter52. The corresponding optical receiver23may be at a bottom side of the fixture154and face upward to receive lights from the corresponding optical fiber111via reflection of the optical filter52. An opening155at a front end of the fixture154may have the corresponding optical fiber111pass therethrough to directly optically couple with the optical filter52.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a ferrule156, i.e. fiber support, shaped like a cylinder configured to receive a naked portion of the corresponding optical fiber111, not covered by the corresponding protection jacket114. An internal passageway at a longitudinal axis of the ferrule156passes through the ferrule156and accommodates the naked portion. The ferrule156supports the naked portion extending in an axial direction60and passes through the opening155. The ferrule156has a surface157inclined from an upper edge of the ferrule156to a bottom edge of the ferrule156opposite to the upper edge of the ferrule156with respect to the axial direction60, wherein an acute angle, ranging from 60 degrees to 90 degrees for example, may exist between the inclined surface157and the longitudinal axis of the ferrule156. The naked portion of the corresponding optical fiber111may have a surface115, at a terminal end of the naked portion, substantially coplanar with the surface157of the ferrule156. Lights passing through the naked portion may emerge from the surface115of the naked portion to the corresponding optical receiver23; lights passing from the corresponding optical transmitter21may be incident to the surface115of the naked portion. The ferrule156includes a guide sink153at an end thereof close to the protection jacket114so as to accommodate a curvature of the naked portion close to the protection jacket114.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a sleeve159surrounding the periphery of the ferrule156. A hole in the sleeve159may extend along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve59and in the axial direction60and accommodate a portion of the ferrule156, a clothed portion of the corresponding optical fiber111covered by the corresponding protection jacket114and the naked portion of the corresponding optical fiber111not covered by the corresponding protection jacket114. The sleeve159may have an inner wall abutting against the outer wall of the ferrule156and confine movement of the corresponding channel110in directions vertical to the axial direction60.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a ring163surrounding the periphery of the sleeve159and having a back end joining a front end of the fixture154by laser welding. A hole in the ring163may extend along a longitudinal axis of the ring163and in the axial direction60and accommodate a portion of the sleeve159, a portion of the ferrule156and the clothed and naked portions of the corresponding optical fiber111. The ring163may have an inner wall abutting against an outer wall of the sleeve159.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a shield164surrounding the periphery of the ring163, the periphery of the sleeve159and the periphery of the clothed portion of the corresponding optical fiber111. The shield164may include a locking portion at a back side thereof and around an inner wall thereof configured to be locked with a locking portion of the ring163at a front side thereof and around an outer wall thereof. The shield164may confine movement of the corresponding channel110in directions vertical to the axial direction60.

Pin Function

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the pins or contacts1-20of the optical fiber module100are arranged at a bottom side of the optical fiber module100. The pins or contacts1-10are aligned in a first line41, configured for external electrical connection of the optical fiber module100, and the pins or contacts11-20are aligned in a second line42, configured for external electrical connection of the optical fiber module100, wherein the first line41is parallel with the second line42and two opposite longitudinal edges33and34of the casing30, wherein the second line42is misaligned with the first line41. The distance between the first line41and the longitudinal edge33may be greater than that between the first and second lines41and42and substantially equal to that between the second line42and the longitudinal edge34. Each neighboring two of the pins or contacts1-10may be separate from each other by substantially the same spacing; each neighboring two of the pins or contacts11-20may be separate from each other by substantially the same spacing that may be substantially equal to that between each neighboring two of the pins or contacts1-10.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the pins or contacts1-20joining the circuit board70may pass through holes in a mother circuit board and join the mother circuit board (not shown) under the circuit board70by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. The pins or contacts1-20may have various functions, described as below:

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the pin or contact2may be an input of inverted transmitting data, i.e. electronic data stream, for a first one of the channels110from a protocol chip (not shown) in the controller or computer. The pin or contact3may be an input of non-inverted transmitting data, i.e. electronic data stream, for the first one of the channels110from the protocol chip. A first one of the optical transmitters21may emit optical signals to the optical fiber111of the first channel110based on the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data, inputting to the pins or contacts2and3respectively. The pin or contact4may be an input to indicate disabling the transmission from the first optical transmitter21to the external devices through the optical fiber111of the first channel110, that is, turning off the first optical transmitter21. For example, the transmission from the first optical transmitter21to the external devices through the optical fiber111of the first channel110may be disabled when a signal of logic level “one” is input to the pin or contact4; the transmission from the first optical transmitter21to the external devices through the optical fiber111of the first channel110may not be disabled when a signal of logic level “zero” is input to the pin or contact4.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the pin or contact19may be an input of inverted transmitting data, i.e. electronic data stream, for a second one of the channels110from the protocol chip. The pin or contact18may be an input of non-inverted transmitting data, i.e. electronic data stream, for the second channel110from the protocol chip. A second one of the optical transmitters21may emit optical signals to the optical fiber111of the second channel110based on the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data, inputting to the pins or contacts19and18respectively. The pin or contact17may be an input to indicate disabling the transmission from the second optical transmitter22to the external devices through the optical fiber111of the second channel110, that is, turning off the second optical transmitter21. For example, the transmission from the second optical transmitter21to the external devices through the optical fiber111of the second channel110may be disabled when a signal of logic level “one” is input to the pin or contact17; the transmission from the second optical transmitter21to the external devices through the optical fiber111of the second channel110may not be disabled when a signal of logic level “zero” is input to the pin or contact17.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the pin or contact8may be an output of inverted receiving data for the first channel110to the first protocol chip. The pin or contact9may be an output of non-inverted receiving data for the first channel110to the first protocol chip. A first one of the optical receivers23may receive optical signals from the optical fiber111of the first channel110and convert the received optical signals into an electronic data stream that may be inverted so as to be output from the pin or contact8and may be not inverted so as to be output from the pin or contact9. The pin or contact7may be an output of the warning that the optical signals from the optical fiber111of the first channel110have an optical power lower than a predetermined one. For example, if the optical signals from the optical fiber111of the first channel110are detected to have an optical power lower than the predetermined one, a signal of logic level “one” may be output from the pin or contact7. If the optical signals from the optical fiber111of the first channel110are detected not to have an optical power lower than the predetermined one, a signal of logic level “zero” may be output from the pin or contact7.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the pin or contact13may be an output of inverted receiving data for the second channel110to the protocol chip. The pin or contact12may be an output of non-inverted receiving data for the second channel110to the protocol chip. A second one of the optical receivers23may receive optical signals from the optical fiber121of the second channel110and convert the received optical signals into an electronic data stream that may be inverted so as to be output from the pin or contact13and may be not inverted so as to be output from the pin or contact12. The pin or contact14may be an output of the warning that the optical signals from the optical fiber111of the second channel110have an optical power lower than a predetermined one. For example, if the optical signals from the optical fiber111of the second channel110are detected to have an optical power lower than the predetermined one, a signal of logic level “one” may be output from the pin or contact14. If the optical signals from the optical fiber111of the second channel110are detected not to have an optical power lower than the predetermined one, a signal of logic level “zero” may be output from the pin or contact14.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the pin or contact5may be connected to a power for delivering power to the first and second optical transmitters21and their associated circuits. The pin or contact6may be connected to a power for delivering power to the first and second optical receivers23and their associated circuits.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the pin or contact15may be an input of clock from the controller or computer. The pin or contact16may be an input of data from the controller or computer. The optical fiber modulator100may sample the data transmitted from the pin or contact16based on the clock transmitted from the pin or contact15.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, one of the pins or contacts1,10and11may have a first function of transmitting information of indicating whether lights are emitted from the first and second optical transmitters21. For example, if both of the lights emitted from the first and second optical transmitters21are detected by two first optical detectors respectively, a signal of logic level “one” may be output from one of the pins or contacts1,10and11to the controller or computer. If either a light is not detected to be emitted from the first optical transmitter21or a light is not detected to be emitted from the second optical transmitter21, a signal of logic level “zero” may be output from said one of the pins or contacts1,10and11to the controller or computer.

Alternatively, referring toFIGS. 1-3, one of the pins or contacts1,10and11may have a second function of transmitting information of indicating whether lights are transmitted from the optical fibers111of the first and second channels110to the first and second optical receivers23respectively. For example, if both of the lights transmitted from the optical fibers111of the first and second channels110to the first and second optical receivers23are detected by two second optical detectors (not shown) respectively, a signal of logic level “one” may be output from one of the pins or contacts1,10and11to the controller or computer. If either a light is not detected to be transmitted from the optical fiber111of the first channel110to the first optical receiver23or a light is not detected to be transmitted from the optical fiber111of the second channel110to the second optical receiver23, a signal of logic level “zero” may be output from said one of the pins or contacts1,10and11to the controller or computer.

Alternatively, referring toFIGS. 1-3, one of the pins or contacts1,10and11may have a third function of transmitting information of controlling whether the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts2and3loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts8and9and the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts19and18loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts13and12. For example, if a signal of logic level “one” is input to one of the pins or contacts1,10and11, the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts2and3may loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts8and9and the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts19and18may loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts13and12. If a signal of logic level “zero” is input to said one of the pins or contacts1,10and11, the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts2and3may not loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts8and9and the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts19and18may not loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts13and12.

Alternatively, the third function may include transmitting information of controlling whether the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts2and3loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts13and12and the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts19and18loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts8and9. For example, if a signal of logic level “one” is input to one of the pins or contacts1,10and11, the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts2and3may loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts13and12and the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts19and18may loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts8and9. If a signal of logic level “zero” is input to said one of the pins or contacts1,10and11, the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts2and3may not loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts13and12and the inverted and non-inverted transmitting data input from the respective pins or contacts19and18may not loop back to the controller or computer through the respective pins or contacts8and9.

Alternatively, referring toFIGS. 1-3, one of the pins or contacts1,10and11may have a fourth function of being electrically grounded such that the first and second optical transmitters and receivers21and23may have a common ground connected to said one of the pins or contacts1,10and11. Alternatively, two of the pins or contacts1,10and11may be electrically grounded such that the first and second optical transmitters21may have a common ground connected to one of the pins or contacts1,10and11and the first and second optical receivers23may have a common ground connected to the other one of the pins or contacts1,10and11.

Alternatively, one of the pins or contacts1,10and11may have a fifth function of transmitting analog information generated by an analog indicator of the optical fiber module100to be output to the controller or computer. Alternatively, one of the pins or contacts1,10and11may have a sixth function of transmitting information of indicating whether a temperature in the optical fiber module100is abnormal to be output to the controller or computer. Alternatively, one of the pins or contacts1,10and11may have a seventh function of transmitting information of indicating whether a voltage applied in the optical fiber module100is abnormal to be output to the controller or computer.

The functions of pins or contacts1,10and11may have any combination of the above first through sixth functions. For example, the combination may be that the pin or contact1may perform the fourth function, the pin or contact10may perform the first function, and the pin or contact11may perform the second function. The combination may be that the pin or contact1may perform the first function, the pin or contact10may perform the second function, and the pin or contact11may perform the third function. The combination may be that the pin or contact1may perform the second function, the pin or contact10may perform the third function, and the pin or contact11may perform the fourth function. The combination may be that the pin or contact1may perform the first function, the pin or contact10may perform the fourth function, and the pin or contact11may perform the third function. The combination may be that the pin or contact1may perform the fourth function, the pin or contact10may perform the fifth function, and the pin or contact11may perform the sixth function. The combination may be that the pin or contact1may perform the seventh function, the pin or contact10may perform the fifth function, and the pin or contact11may perform the fourth function.

Alternatively, referring toFIGS. 1-3, the optical fiber module100may further include two pins or contacts25and26arranged at the bottom side of the optical fiber module100, wherein the pin or contact25is aligned in the first line41, configured for external mechanical connection of the optical fiber module100, and the pin or contact26is aligned in the second line42, configured for external mechanical connection of the optical fiber module100. Each of the pins or contacts25and26may have a transverse dimension, such as diameter, greater than that of each of the pins or contacts1-20. The pins or contacts25and26may have a function of enhancing electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance and may be configured not to be electrically grounded.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, in accordance with the above pigtail type of optical fiber module100, independent optical signals or data streams may be simultaneously transmitted between the external devices and the optical fiber module100through the independent channels110independent from each other.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 4shows a bottom view of a receptacle type of optical fiber module with dual-channel connection in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 5is a perspective exploded view showing a structure of a receptacle type of optical fiber module in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a receptacle type of optical fiber module in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. The element, as shown inFIGS. 4-6, indicated by the same reference number as that inFIGS. 1-3may be referred to the illustration for that inFIGS. 1-3. The pin or contact1-20,25or26joining the circuit board170may join a mother circuit board (not shown) under the circuit board170. The pin or contact1-20,25or26, as shown inFIGS. 4-6, indicated by the same reference number as that inFIGS. 1-3may perform the same function as that illustrated inFIGS. 1-3performs. The pins or contacts1-20,25or26, as shown inFIGS. 4-6, may be arranged in the same fashion as those, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, are arranged.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the transmitting and receiving modules50perform the same function and have the same internal structure for optically coupling, and for brief description, one of the transmitting and receiving modules50is illustrated as below.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, for a receptacle type of optical fiber module100, the channels110may be pluggable into two parallel receiving holes113in the optical fiber module100and detachable from the optical fiber module100. When the channels110are plugged into the receiving holes113, the transmitting and receiving module50may include an embedded optical fiber112configured to optically couple the optical fiber111of the corresponding channel110, extending from the optical fiber module100to the external devices, to the corresponding optical transmitter21and receiver23. In the other words, the embedded optical fiber112in the corresponding transmitting and receiving module50is embedded in the casing30before the corresponding channel110is plugged into the corresponding receiving hole113; after the channels110are plugged into the receiving holes113, the optical fiber111of the corresponding channel110may be directly optically coupled to the embedded optical fiber112so as to be optically coupled to the corresponding optical transmitter21and receiver23.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the transmitting and receiving module50may include the optical filter52in the casing30and in optical paths between the embedded optical fiber112and the corresponding optical transmitter21and between the embedded optical fiber112and the corresponding optical receiver23. Lights with first specific wavelengths from the corresponding optical transmitter21may be configured to pass the optical filter52to the embedded optical fiber112. The optical filter52may be configured to reflect lights with second specific wavelengths from the embedded optical fiber112to the corresponding optical receiver23.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the transmitting and receiving module50may include the optical filter53in the casing30and in an optical path between the optical filter52and the corresponding optical receiver23. Lights with third specific wavelengths, within the second ones, from the optical fiber52may be configured to pass the optical filter53to the corresponding optical receiver23.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a fixture54, in the casing30, configured to fix with the corresponding optical transmitter21, the corresponding optical receiver23and the filters52and53. The corresponding optical transmitter21may be at a back side of the fixture154and face forward to emit lights to the embedded optical fiber112through the optical filter52. The corresponding optical receiver23may be at an upper side of the fixture54and face downward to receive lights from the embedded optical fiber112via reflection of the optical filter52. An opening55at a front end of the fixture54may have the embedded optical fiber112pass therethrough to directly optically couple with the optical filter52.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a ferrule56, i.e. fiber support, shaped like a cylinder configured to receive the embedded optical fiber112. An internal passageway at a longitudinal axis of the ferrule56passes through the ferrule56and accommodates the embedded optical fiber112. The ferrule56supports the embedded optical fiber112extending in an axial direction60and passes through the opening55. The ferrule56has a surface57inclined from a bottom edge of the ferrule56to an upper edge of the ferrule56opposite to the bottom edge of the ferrule56with respect to the axial direction60, wherein an obtuse angle, ranging from 90 degrees to 120 degrees for example, may exist between the inclined surface57and the longitudinal axis of the ferrule56. The embedded optical fiber112has a surface113, at a terminal end of the embedded optical fiber112, substantially coplanar with the surface57of the ferrule56. Lights passing through the embedded optical fiber112may emerge from the surface113of the embedded optical fiber112to the corresponding optical receiver23; lights passing from the corresponding optical transmitter21may be incident to the surface113of the embedded optical fiber112.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a base seat58surrounding the periphery of the ferrule56and a sleeve59surrounding the periphery of the ferrule56and having a back end abutting against a step of the base seat58. A hole in the base seat58may extend along a longitudinal axis of the base seat58and in the axial direction60and accommodate a portion of the sleeve59, a portion of the ferrule56and a portion of the embedded optical fiber112. The base seat58may have an inner wall abutting against an outer wall of the ferrule56. A hole in the sleeve59may extend along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve59and in the axial direction60and accommodate a portion of the ferrule56and a portion of the embedded optical fiber112. The sleeve59may have an inner wall abutting against the outer wall of the ferrule56.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the transmitting and receiving module50may include a tube62surrounding the periphery of the sleeve59and the periphery of the base seat58and having a step abutting against a front end of the base seat58. A hole in the tube62may extend along a longitudinal axis of the tube62and in the axial direction60and accommodate a portion of the sleeve59, a portion of the base seat58, a portion of the ferrule56and a portion of the embedded optical fiber112. The tube62may have an inner wall abutting against an outer wall of the base seat58. The transmitting and receiving module50may include a ring63surrounding the periphery of the base seat58and having a back end joining a front end of the fixture54by laser welding. A hole in the ring63may extend along a longitudinal axis of the ring63and in the axial direction60and accommodate a portion of the base seat58, a portion of the ferrule56and a portion of the embedded optical fiber112. The ring63may have an inner wall abutting against the outer wall of the base seat58.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the optical fiber module100may include a circuit board170, such as printed circuit board or ceramic circuit board, alternatively arranged at a back side of the optical transmitting and receiving modules50and in the casing30, wherein none of the optical transmitters21and receivers23may be arranged over the top surface of the circuit board170. The pins or contacts1-20,25and26extending downwards from a bottom surface of the circuit board170may pass through holes in the circuit board170and joins the circuit board170. The optical transmitters21may be configured to emit optical signals to the embedded optical fibers112respectively based on data from the circuit board170. Further, the circuit board170may be configured to transmit data based on optical signals received by the optical receivers23from the embedded optical fibers112respectively.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the optical fiber module100may include two flexible circuit films171alternatively arranged over the transmitting and receiving modules50and the circuit board170and in the casing30for electrically coupling the circuit board170to the optical receivers23respectively. The flexible circuit films171perform the same function and have the same structure for connection, and for brief description, one of the flexible circuit films171is illustrated as below. The flexible circuit film171may couple electrical pins64at a top side of the corresponding optical receiver23to corresponding electric contacts66of the circuit board170across over the corresponding optical transmitter21, wherein the electrical contacts66are at a top side of the circuit board170. The corresponding electrical pins64may pass through holes in the flexible circuit film171and join ring-shaped electrical contacts77of the flexible circuit film171by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. The flexible circuit film171may have electrical contacts174joining the corresponding electrical contacts66of the circuit board170by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. Accordingly, electronic signals or data streams may be transmitted from the corresponding optical receiver23to the circuit board170through the flexible circuit film171.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the corresponding electrical pins51at the back side of the corresponding optical transmitter21may couple to corresponding contacts79of the circuit board170, at top and bottom surfaces thereof, by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy, so as to electrically and mechanically couple the corresponding optical transmitter21to the circuit board170.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, the casing30may include a pedestal37configured to support the transmitting and receiving modules50and the circuit board170and a cover38configured to cover the transmitting and receiving modules50and the circuit board170and to fix with the pedestal37. The optical fiber module100may include two light pipes90configured to be fixed in two respective longitudinal grooves91at a bottom surface of the pedestal37, wherein each of the light pipes90may include a plug92at an end thereof configured to pass through a corresponding one of openings93in the pedestal37for optically coupling to a corresponding one of two light emitting diodes (LED)96mounted on a bottom surface of the circuit board170. The lights emitted from the light emitting diodes (LED)96may be guided by the light pipes90to a front side of the optical fiber module100such that a user may see the lights, emitted from the light emitting diodes (LED)96, from the front side of the optical fiber module100. Light emitted from the light emitting diodes (LED)96may have functions described as below: For example, light emitted from a first one of the light emitting diodes (LED)96may indicate whether light is emitted from the first optical transmitter21and light is transmitted from the optical fiber111of the first channel110to the first optical receiver23. If light is emitted from the first optical transmitter21and light is transmitted from the optical fiber111of the first channel110to the first optical receiver23, light may be emitted from the first light emitting diode (LED)96; if either light is not emitted from the first optical transmitter21or light is not transmitted from the optical fiber111of the first channel110to the first optical receiver23, light may not be emitted from the first light emitting diode (LED)96.

Also, referring toFIGS. 4-6, the lights emitted from a second one of the light emitting diodes (LED)96may indicate whether light is emitted from the second optical transmitter21and light is transmitted from the optical fiber111of the second channel110to the second optical receiver23. If light is emitted from the second optical transmitter21and light is transmitted from the optical fiber111of the second channel110to the second optical receiver23, light may be emitted from the second light emitting diode (LED)96; if either light is not emitted from the second optical transmitter21or light is not transmitted from the optical fiber111of the second channel110to the second optical receiver23, light may not be emitted from the second light emitting diode (LED)96. Alternatively, light emitted from the first and second light emitting diodes (LED)96may indicate whether a temperature in the optical fiber module100is abnormal. Alternatively, light emitted from the first and second light emitting diodes (LED)96may indicate whether a voltage applied in the optical fiber module100is abnormal.

Referring toFIGS. 4-6, for assembling the optical fiber module100, after the transmitting and receiving modules50are electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit board170, the transmitting and receiving modules50and the circuit board170may be placed on the pedestal37, the pins and contacts1-10passing through a longitudinal hole31in the pedestal27and the pins and contacts11-20passing through another longitudinal hole32in the pedestal27. Next, the optical fiber module100may include a fixture94with two arc portions95, at a bottom side thereof, to be pushed onto the tubes62of the transmitting and receiving modules50respectively, wherein each of the arc portions of the fixture94may have a step configured to abut against a step of a corresponding one of the tubes62. At the same time, the fixture94may be secured with the pedestal37such that the transmitting and receiving modules50and the circuit board170may be fixed over the pedestal37. Next, the cover38may be locked with the pedestal37.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 7shows a bottom view of a receptacle type of optical fiber module with dual-channel connection in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 8shows a perspective bottom view of a receptacle type of optical fiber module with dual-channel connection in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a receptacle type of optical fiber module in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. The element, as shown inFIGS. 7-9, indicated by the same reference number as that inFIGS. 4-6may be referred to the illustration for that inFIGS. 4-6. The pin or contact1-20,25or26joining a circuit board270may join a mother circuit board (not shown) under the circuit board270. The pin or contact1-20,25or26, as shown inFIGS. 7-9, indicated by the same reference number as that inFIGS. 1-3may perform the same function as that illustrated inFIGS. 1-3performs. The pins or contacts1-20,25or26, as shown inFIGS. 7-9, may be arranged in the same fashion as those, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, are arranged.

The difference between the second and third embodiments is that the optical fiber module100may include a circuit board270, instead of the circuit board70, over the optical transmitters21and receivers23of the transmitting and receiving modules50, as seen inFIGS. 7-9, and two flexible circuit films271, instead of the flexible circuit films71, mechanically and electrically coupling the respective optical transmitters21to the circuit board270. The optical transmitters21may be configured to emit optical signals to the embedded optical fibers112respectively based on data from the circuit board270. Further, the circuit board270may be configured to transmit data based on optical signals received by the optical receivers23from the embedded optical fibers112respectively.

Referring toFIGS. 7-9, the transmitting and receiving modules50perform the same function and have the same internal structure for optically coupling, and for brief description, one of the transmitting and receiving modules50is illustrated as below. The electrical pins64at the top side of the corresponding optical receiver23may pass through holes in the circuit board270and joins the circuit board270by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy, so as to electrically and mechanically couple the corresponding optical receiver23to the circuit board270. The flexible circuit films271are under the circuit board270for electrically coupling the circuit board270to the optical transmitters21respectively. The flexible circuit films271perform the same function and have the same structure for connection, and for brief description, one of the flexible circuit films271is illustrated as below. The flexible circuit film271may couple corresponding electrical pins51, arranged in a vertical plane, at the back side of the corresponding optical transmitter21to corresponding electrical contacts272, arranged in a horizontal plane, of the circuit board270, wherein the electrical contacts272are at a bottom side of the circuit board270. The corresponding electrical pins51may pass through holes in the flexible circuit film271and joins ring-shaped electrical contacts273of the flexible circuit film271by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. The flexible circuit film271may have electrical contacts274joining the corresponding electrical contacts272of the circuit board270by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. Accordingly, electronic signals or data streams may be transmitted from the circuit board270to the corresponding optical transmitter21through the flexible circuit film271.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 10shows a bottom view of a receptacle type of optical fiber module with dual-channel connection in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a receptacle type of optical fiber module in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The element, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, indicated by the same reference number as that inFIGS. 4-9may be referred to the illustration for that inFIGS. 4-9. The pin or contact1-20,25or26joining the circuit board270may join a mother circuit board (not shown) under the circuit board270. The pin or contact1-20,25or26, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, indicated by the same reference number as that inFIGS. 1-3may perform the same function as that illustrated inFIGS. 1-3performs. The pins or contacts1-20,25or26, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, may be arranged in the same fashion as those, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, are arranged.

The difference between the third and fourth embodiments is that the optical receivers23may be alternatively arranged at bottom sides of the transmitting and receiving modules50and the optical transmitters21and receivers23and the flexible circuit films271may be alternatively arranged over the circuit board270.

Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, the transmitting and receiving modules50perform the same function and have the same internal structure for optically coupling, and for brief description, one of the transmitting and receiving modules50is illustrated as below. The electrical pins64at a bottom side of the corresponding optical receiver23may pass through holes in the circuit board270and joins the circuit board270by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy, so as to electrically and mechanically couple the corresponding optical receiver23to the circuit board270. The flexible circuit films271are over the circuit board270for electrically coupling the circuit board270to the optical transmitters21respectively. The flexible circuit films271perform the same function and have the same structure for connection, and for brief description, one of the flexible circuit films271is illustrated as below. The flexible circuit film271may couple corresponding electrical pins51, arranged in a vertical plane, at the back side of the corresponding optical transmitter21to the corresponding electrical contacts272, arranged in a horizontal plane, of the circuit board270, wherein the electrical contacts272are at a top side of the circuit board270. The corresponding electrical pins51may pass through holes in the flexible circuit film271and joins ring-shaped electrical contacts, which may be referred to ones273shown inFIG. 8, of the flexible circuit film271by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. The flexible circuit film271may have electrical contacts274joining the corresponding electrical contacts272of the circuit board270by tin or a solder, such as a tin-lead alloy. Accordingly, electronic signals or data streams may be transmitted from the circuit board270to the corresponding optical transmitter21through the flexible circuit film271. Light emitting diodes (LED), which may be referred to ones96shown inFIG. 5, may be mounted on a bottom surface of the circuit board270, optically coupling to the plugs, which may be referred to ones92shown inFIG. 5, of the light pipes90configured to be fixed in the respective longitudinal grooves91at the bottom surface of the pedestal37. A user may see the lights, emitted from the light emitting diodes (LED), from the front side of the optical fiber module100, and the lights may indicate the information as mentioned in the second embodiment.

Further, referring toFIGS. 10 and 11, the ferrule56may be arranged in another way mentioned as below. The surface57of the ferrule56may be alternatively inclined from an upper edge of the ferrule56to a bottom edge of the ferrule56opposite to the upper edge of the ferrule56with respect to the axial direction60, wherein an acute angle, ranging from 60 degrees to 90 degrees for example, may exist between the inclined surface57and the longitudinal axis of the ferrule56. Also, the surface113of the embedded optical fiber112may be substantially coplanar with the surface57of the ferrule56.

Referring toFIGS. 4-11, in accordance with the above receptacle type of optical fiber module100as illustrated in the second, third and fourth embodiments, when the channels110are plugged into the optical fiber module100, independent optical signals or data streams may be simultaneously transmitted between the external devices and the optical fiber module100through the independent channels110independent from each other.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. Furthermore, unless stated otherwise, the numerical ranges provided are intended to be inclusive of the stated lower and upper values. Moreover, unless stated otherwise, all material selections and numerical values are representative of preferred embodiments and other ranges and/or materials may be used.

The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims, and such scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows, and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents thereof.