METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PREVENTING AN OPTICS SYSTEM OF AN OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS MODULE FROM BEING DAMAGED OR MOVED OUT OF ALIGNMENT BY EXTERNAL FORCES

Protection features are incorporated into an optical communications module to ensure that the optics system of the module will not be damaged or moved out of alignment by external forces exerted on a mating surface of the module when a connector module is mated with the optical communications module. One protection feature is a strike plate that is disposed on the mating surface of the module that redistributes forces exerted on the mating surface. Another protection feature is an optically-transmissive window formed in the mating surface and comprising an optically-transmissive element having anti-reflection (AR) coatings disposed on its upper and lower surfaces. The optics system is positioned beneath the mating surface so that forces that are exerted on the mating surface are not transferred to the optics system. Another protection feature is a design of the module that mechanically decouples the optics system from the mating surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to optical communications modules. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and apparatuses for preventing an optics system of an optical communications module from being damaged or moved out of alignment by external forces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An optical communications module is a module having one or more transmit (Tx) channels, one or more receive (Rx) channels, or one or more Tx channels and one or more Rx channels. In an optical communications module that has at least one Tx channel, the Tx portion comprises components for transmitting data in the form of modulated optical signals over multiple optical waveguides, which are typically optical fibers. The Tx portion includes a laser driver integrated circuit (IC), a plurality of laser diodes and a controller IC, which are typically mounted on a module printed circuit board (PCB). The laser driver circuit outputs electrical signals to the laser diodes to modulate them. When the laser diodes are modulated, they output optical signals that have power levels corresponding to logic 1s and logic 0s. An optics system of the module focuses the optical signals produced by the laser diodes into the ends of respective transmit optical fibers of an optical fiber cable, such as an optical fiber ribbon cable.

In an optical communications module that has at least one Rx channel, the Rx portion includes a plurality of receive photodiodes mounted on the PCB that receive incoming optical signals output from the ends of respective receive optical fibers held in the connector. The optics system of the optical communications module focuses the light that is output from the ends of the receive optical fibers onto the respective receive photodiodes. The receive photodiodes convert the incoming optical signals into electrical analog signals. An electrical detection circuit, such as a transimpedance amplifier (TIA), receives the electrical signals produced by the receive photodiodes and outputs corresponding amplified electrical signals, which are processed in the Rx portion to recover the data.

The optics system is typically disposed in a surface of the module that is comes into direct contact with a connector module that holds the ends of the optical fibers. The connector module and the optical communications module typically have mating features on them that mate with each other to lock the modules together and to bring the ends of the optical fibers into alignment with respective optical elements of the optics system. One of the problems associated with mating the connector module with the optical communications module is that the connector module exerts forces on the optical communications module that can damage the optics system.

FIGS. 1A-1Ddemonstrate the manner in which a known connector module2mates with a known optical communications module3and the forces that are exerted by the connector module2on the optical communications module3during the mating process.FIG. 1Ais a side plan view of the connector module2positioned above the optical communications module3at the beginning of the mating process.FIG. 1Bis a side plan view of the connector module2mating with the optical communications module3.FIG. 1Cis a side plan view of the connector module2positioned above the optical communications module3and misaligned with the optical communications module3at the beginning of the mating process.FIG. 1Dis a side plan view of the connector module2coming into contact with the optical communications module3during the mating process due to misalignment of the modules2and3.

The connector module2has pins4and5disposed on a lower surface thereof that are shaped and sized to mate with holes6and7formed in the optical communications module3. The holes6and7are generally complementary in shape to the shapes of the pins4and5. The connector module2has ends of one or more optical fiber cables8secured thereto. An optics system (not shown) of the connector module2bends the optical pathways of light passing out of the optical fiber cables8by an angle of 90° and bends the optical pathways of light received from the optical communications module3by an angle of 90°. The optical communications module3has an optics system11disposed therein. The optics system11is typically embedded in, an upper, mating surface12of the optical communications module3. One of the reasons for embedding the optics system11in the mating surface12is to help seal the housing13to provide isolation of the electronic and optoelectronic components of the module from environmental dusts, water vapor, mixed flow gases (MFGs), and contaminants.

When the connector module2is being mated with the optical communications module3, if the pins4and5mate with the holes6and7, respectively, on the first attempt without coming into contact with the mating surface12of the optical communications module3, then very little if any mechanical stress is exerted on the housing13of the optical communications module3.FIGS. 1A and 1Bdepict the scenario in which the pins4and5mate with the holes6and7, respectively, on the first attempt without coming into contact with the mating surface12of the optical communications module3.

If, however, one or both of the pins4and5come into contact with the mating surface12of the optical communications module3during the mating process, as shown inFIG. 1D, a corresponding force is exerted on the housing13of module3that is transferred to the optics system11. The lines14inFIG. 1Drepresent the force being transferred through the housing13to the optics system11. As indicated by the locations of the lines14, the force is concentrated around the location of the optics system11due to the fact that the pin4abuts with the mating surface12at a location that is above the location of the optics system11. The force that is transferred into the portion of the housing13that surrounds the optics system11can distort the housing13and cause the optics system11to crack or break. If the optics system11cracks or breaks, the module3is generally rendered useless. Moreover, even if the forces applied to the optics system11do not crack or break the optics system11, such forces can move the optics system11out of alignment, which can result in performance problems and optical losses.

Known solutions to this problem have focused on equipping the connector module2with a guide (not shown) that limits the range of movement of the pins4and5by acting as a funnel that helps guide the connector module2into engagement with the optical communications module3. The guide essentially prevents the pins4and5from “jabbing” the mating surface12of the optical communications module3. One of the disadvantages of such an approach is that it requires attaching a relatively large funnel to the connector module, which decreases the density with which adjacent modules can be mounted and provides less room for other essential components, such as heat sink structures.

Accordingly, a need exists for an optical communications module having a design that prevents the optics system of the module from being damaged or moved out of alignment by external forces, such as those that may be exerted on the optical communications module during the process of mechanically coupling the connector module to the optical communications module.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to an optical communications module having one or more protection features for ensuring that the optics system of the module will not be damaged or moved out of alignment by external forces that may be exerted on the module.

In accordance with one embodiment, the optical communications module comprises a circuit board, one or more electronic and optoelectronic components mounted on an upper surface of the circuit board, a module housing mechanically coupled to the circuit board, an optics system disposed in the module housing, and a strike plate disposed on at least a portion of a mating surface of the module housing. The strike plate has at least a first opening extending through the strike plate for allowing light to be optically coupled between a connector module and the optics system when the optical communications module is engaged in a mating arrangement with a connector module. The strike plate is adapted to redistribute a force exerted on the strike plate by the connector module such that the redistributed force is generally equally distributed over the portion of the mating surface on which the strike plate is disposed.

In accordance with another embodiment, the optical communications module comprises a circuit board, one or more electronic and optoelectronic components mounted on an upper surface of the circuit board, a module housing mechanically coupled to the circuit board, and an optics system disposed in the module housing. The mating surface of the module housing has an optically-transmissive window formed therein. A frame is disposed in the module housing beneath the optically-transmissive window and above the upper surface of the circuit board. The frame is mechanically decoupled from the mating surface. The optics system is mounted on the frame beneath the optically-transmissive window. If external forces are exerted on the mating surface of the module housing, the mechanical decoupling of the frame from the mating surface helps prevent such external forces from being transferred to the optics system.

In accordance with another embodiment, the optical communications module comprises a circuit board, one or more electronic and optoelectronic components mounted on an upper surface of the circuit board, a module housing mechanically coupled to the circuit board, and an optics system disposed in the module housing. The mating surface of the module housing has an optically-transmissive window formed therein. An optically-transmissive element is disposed in the optically-transmissive window. The optically-transmissive element has upper and lower surfaces that are parallel to one another and parallel to the mating surface. The upper and lower surfaces of the optically-transmissive element have first and second anti-reflection (AR) coatings, respectively, disposed thereon for passing light of an operating wavelength of the optical communications module. The optics system is disposed in the module housing beneath the optically-transmissive element and above the upper surface of the circuit board.

The invention is also directed to methods for protecting an optics system of an optical communications module from being damaged by external forces that are applied to a mating surface of the module. In accordance with one embodiment, the method comprises disposing a strike plate on at least a portion of a mating surface of a housing of an optical communications module. The strike plate has at least a first opening extending through the strike plate for allowing light to be optically coupled between a connector module and the optical communications module when the optical communications module is matingly engaged with the connector module. The strike plate is adapted to redistribute a force exerted on the strike plate by the connector module such that the redistributed force is generally equally distributed over the portion of the mating surface on which the strike plate is disposed.

In accordance with another embodiment, the method comprises disposing an optics system on a frame that is disposed in the housing of the optical communications module beneath an optically-transmissive window formed in a mating surface of the housing. The frame is mechanically decoupled from the mating surface such that if external forces are exerted on the mating surface of the housing, the mechanical decoupling of the frame from the mating surface helps prevent such external forces from being transferred to the optics system.

In accordance with another embodiment, the method comprises providing a mating surface of a housing of an optical communications module with an optically-transmissive window having an optically-transmissive element disposed therein, and disposing an optics system in the housing beneath the optically-transmissive element and above at least one optoelectronic component mounted an upper surface of a circuit board of the module. The optically-transmissive element has upper and lower surfaces that are parallel to one another and parallel to the mating surface. The upper and lower surfaces of the optically-transmissive element have first and second AR coatings, respectively, disposed thereon for passing light of an operating wavelength of the optical communications module. The optics system is mechanically decoupled from the mating surface to help prevent forces that are exerted on the mating surface from being transferred to the optics system.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the invention, one or more protection features are incorporated into the optical communications module to ensure that the optics system of the module will not be damaged or moved out of alignment by external forces that may be exerted on the module. Any of these protection features may be used alone or in combination to prevent the optics system of the module from being damaged or moved out of alignment by external forces.

One of the protection features is a strike plate that is disposed on the mating surface of the module. The strike plate redistributes the mechanical load associated with mating pins of the connector module coming into contact with the strike plate during the process of mating the connector module with the optical communications module. Redistributing the mechanical load reduces the magnitude of forces that are transferred to the optics system, which prevents the optics system from being damaged or moved out of alignment.

Another of the protection features is an optically-transmissive window formed in the mating surface of the optical communications module above the location at which the optics system is disposed. The window comprises an optically-transmissive element having anti-reflection (AR) coatings disposed on its upper and lower surfaces. The optics system of the optical communications module is disposed beneath the optically-transmissive element. By positioning the optics system beneath the mating surface rather than embedding it in the mating surface, any forces that are exerted on the mating surface by the connector module during the mating process are not exerted directly on the optics system. In this way, the window helps prevent the optics system from being damaged or moved out of alignment by external forces that are exerted on the optical communications module by the connector module during the mating process. The AR coatings allow light to pass through the optically-transmissive element of the transparent window without being reflected at these surfaces so that Fresnel losses are minimized.

Another of the protection features is provided by the design of the optical communications module. The design is such that the optics system is mechanically decoupled from the housing of the optical communications module. More specifically, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, the optics system is disposed on a frame that is beneath the mating surface and that is mechanically decoupled from the housing and from the mating surface, which is part of the housing. Mechanically decoupling the optics system from the mating surface prevents forces that may be exerted on the mating surface by the connector module during the mating process from being transferred to the optics system. In this way, the design of the optical communications module prevents the optics system from being damaged or moved out of alignment by such forces.

One or more of the above-described protection features are incorporated into the optical communications module, as will now be described with reference to illustrative embodiments, in which like reference numerals represent like features, components or elements.

FIG. 2illustrates a side plan view of an optical communications module100in accordance with an illustrative embodiment having a strike plate110disposed on a mating surface101of the module100. The strike plate110evenly distributes a mechanical load associated with abutment of the pins4and/or5of the connector module2with the strike plate110during the process of mating the connector module2with the optical communications module100. The pins4and5of the connector module2are shaped and sized to mate with holes106and107, respectively, formed in the optical communications module100. An optics system111of the optical communications module100is disposed inside of a housing113of the module100beneath the mating surface101of the module100.

When the connector module2is being mated with the optical communications module100, if one or both of the pins4and5come into contact with the strike plate110of the optical communications module100, as depicted inFIG. 2, the strike plate110will cause the corresponding force to be generally evenly distributed into the housing113. The lines114represent this force being generally evenly distributed into the housing113. A comparison of the lines114with the lines14shown inFIG. 1Ddemonstrates the difference between the manner in which the forces are distributed in the modules100and3, respectively. In the module3, the force represented by lines14is concentrated in the portion of the housing13that is directly underneath the pin4, which is where the optics system11is located. In contrast, in the module100, the force represented by lines114is evenly distributed into the housing113, which means that a smaller portion of the total force is transferred into the optics system111. The reduction in the portion of the total force that is transferred into the optics system111reduces the likelihood that the optics system111will be damaged or moved out of its aligned position by the force.

FIG. 3illustrates a top plan view of an optical communications module120in accordance with another illustrative embodiment. The module120has a strike plate130disposed on a mating surface122of the module120. The mating surface122is an upper surface of a cover128that forms part of a housing129of the module120. The cover128and the housing129encase components (not shown) of the module120and generally protect them from external forces and contaminants.FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of the strike plate130shown inFIG. 3.FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of the optical communications module120shown inFIG. 3being mated with a connector module140that is connected to ends (not shown) of a plurality of optical fibers141of an optical fiber cable142.

The strike plate130can have various shapes and sizes and can be made of various materials. Typically, the strike plate130is made of a hard material such as, for example, sheet metal, aluminum, or hard plastic. One reason for making the strike plate130out of metal is that metal can be easily and inexpensively shaped by a stamping process. Another reason for making the strike plate130out of metal is that metal parts can be made to have a rigidity that allows them to spread a mechanical load applied to a particular point over a wide surface area. One reason for making the strike plate130out of plastic is that plastic products having the desired qualities of rigidity for spreading out the mechanical load can be easily and inexpensively made. However, other materials and processes may be used to make the strike plate130.

The strike plate130has a cutaway region131(FIG. 4) formed therein that provides access to mating holes126and127(FIG. 3) formed in the module120. The mating holes126and127(FIG. 3) are shaped and sized to mate with mating pins144and145(FIG. 5), respectively, disposed on a lower surface of the connector module140(FIG. 5). The cutaway region131(FIG. 4) has a portion132that provides an opening through which light can be coupled between the optical communications module120and the connector module140through a window150(FIG. 3) of the optical communications module120.

The strike plate130protects the optics system (not shown) in the manner described above with reference toFIG. 2. With reference toFIG. 5, if the pins144and/or145come into contact with the strike plate130during the process of mating the connector module140with the optical communications module120, the force that is exerted on the strike plate130by the connector module140will be evenly distributed by the strike plate130into the housing129of the module120. In this way, the strike plate130prevents forces exerted on the optical communications module120from being localized around the optics system (not shown), which is disposed inside of the housing129beneath the mating surface122and in alignment with the window150.

In accordance with this illustrative embodiment, the optical communications module120includes a lid160(FIGS. 3 and 5) that is rotationally coupled to the module120by fastening devices161(FIG. 5). The lid160can be placed in the opened position shown inFIGS. 3 and 5to allow the connector module140to be mated with the optical communications module120. When the connector module140is not mated with the optical communications module120, the lid160can be placed in a closed position to further protect the mating surface122and the window150from external forces, dust, gases, and other environmental factors. In accordance with this illustrative embodiment, the cutout region131(FIG. 4) of the strike plate130has an ear-shaped portion132that provides access to additional surface areas151on the window150(FIG. 3) for wiping dirt or debris away from the window150to prevent dirt or debris from interfering with the optical pathways.

FIG. 6illustrates a top perspective view of the optical communications module120shown inFIG. 3with a strike plate230disposed thereon that is different from strike plate130.FIG. 7illustrates a perspective view of the strike plate230shown inFIG. 6. Again, the strike plate230is typically, but not necessarily, made of metal such as sheet metal or aluminum, for example. The strike plate230has cutaway regions231,232and233formed therein that provide access to the window150, the mating hole126and the mating hole127, respectively, formed in the module120.

The strike plate230protects the optics system (not shown) of the module120in the manner described above, but provides even slightly better protection than that provided by the strike plate130shown inFIG. 4. Because the cutaway region131,132of the strike plate130is larger in area than the cutaway regions231-233of the strike plate230, there is a greater chance when using the strike plate130that the mating pins144and145of the connector module140shown inFIG. 5will come into contact with a portion of the mating surface122that is not covered by the strike plate130than there is with the strike plate230. Because the cutaway regions231-233of the strike plate230are only at locations that are absolutely necessary to provide access to the holes126and127and the window150, there is less of a chance that the mating surface122will come into direct contact with the pins144and/or145(FIG. 5).

The strike plate230performs the same function as the strike plate130of redistributing the force exerted by the pins144and/or145on the strike plate230. If the pins144and/or145come into contact with the strike plate230during the process of mating the connector module140with the optical communications module120, the force that is exerted on the strike plate230will be evenly distributed by the strike plate230into the housing129of the module120. In this way, the strike plate230prevents forces exerted on the optical communications module120from being concentrated in the vicinity of the optics system (not shown).

FIG. 8illustrates a top perspective view of an optical communications module300in accordance with another illustrative embodiment.FIG. 9Aillustrates a top perspective cross-sectional view of the optical communications module300shown inFIG. 8taken along line A-A′ ofFIG. 8.FIG. 9Billustrates an expanded view of the portion of the module300shown inFIG. 9Awithin the circle370ofFIG. 9A. In accordance with this illustrative embodiment, the module300includes not only the strike plate protection feature, but also includes the aforementioned protection features of the optically-transmissive window and the decoupled optics system.

The strike plate330is identical or very similar to the strike plate130shown inFIG. 4. The mating holes326and327are shaped and sized to mate with mating pins144and145(FIG. 5), respectively, disposed on a lower surface of the connector module140(FIG. 5). The strike plate330provides the same protections as the strike plates130and230described above and therefore will not be described herein in further detail. InFIGS. 9A and 9B, the relative positions of the mating surface322of the module, the strike plate330, the optically-transmissive window350, and the optics system360can be seen. In many known optical communications module designs, the optics system is in contact with the mating surface, and is often embedded in the mating surface. In accordance with this illustrative embodiment, the optics system360is disposed beneath the mating surface322and the window350and is mechanically decoupled from both the module housing329and the mating surface322.

More specifically, in accordance with this illustrative embodiment, the optics system360is secured to a frame380that is mechanically decoupled from the housing329of the module300. The frame380has legs381that are secured to a heat dissipation device390of the module300. Due to space constraints inside of the module300, the frame380may be in contact with portions of the housing329, but not in a way that allows forces that are transferred into the housing329to be transferred from the housing329into the frame380.

FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the frame380shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B.FIG. 11illustrates a top perspective view of the frame380having the optics system360secured thereto.FIG. 12illustrates a top perspective view of the optical communications module300shown inFIGS. 8-9Bwith the housing329removed to reveal the components of the module that are housed within the housing329. The frame380is typically a molded plastic part comprising a support structure382having a central portion384(FIGS. 9A and 9B) in which an opening383is formed. The central portion384of the support structure382has bumps, or ridges,385(FIGS. 10A and 10B) formed on its interior surface that abut the sides of the optics system360when the optics system360is disposed within the opening383(FIG. 11). The optics system360is typically either press fit into the opening383or is secured to within the opening383by an adhesive material such as epoxy or the like. Other types of securing mechanisms or materials may be used to secure the optics system360to the frame380.

With reference toFIGS. 9B and 12, the legs381of the frame380are secured to the surface of the heat dissipation device390by an adhesive material391(FIG. 12), such as epoxy. Lower surfaces of first and second heat dissipation blocks392and393(FIG. 9B), which are typically copper blocks, are secured by a thermally-conductive epoxy (not shown) to the heat dissipation device390. As shown inFIG. 8, upper surfaces of the heat dissipation blocks392and393are exposed through the openings formed in the housing329so that the blocks392and393can be mechanically and thermally coupled with an external heat dissipation structure (not shown), which is typically provided by the customer to whom the module300is shipped. The housing329acts as a cover such that when it is secured to a PCB331of the module300, the components of the module300shown inFIG. 12are encased in a compartment defined by the inner surfaces of the housing329and the upper surface of the PCB331. The compartment preferably is not a hermetically-sealed compartment, but is sufficiently sealed to substantially impede the flow of air, other gasses and contaminants into the interior of the module300. The same is true for the module120shown inFIG. 3.

With reference again toFIG. 9B, by mechanically decoupling the optics system360from the housing329, any forces that are exerted on the mating surface322of the housing329will not be transferred into the optics system360. Consequently, this decoupling feature prevents the optics system360from being damaged or moved out of alignment by external forces that are exerted on the mating surface322.

The strike plate330protects the optics system360in the same manner in which the strike plate130(FIGS. 3 and 4) protects the optics system of the optical communications module120(FIG. 3). In particular, if the pins144and/or145of the connector module140(FIG. 5) come into contact with the strike plate330(FIGS. 9A and 9B) during the process of mating the connector module140with the optical communications module300(FIG. 8), the corresponding force that is exerted on the strike plate330will be evenly distributed by the strike plate330into the housing329(FIG. 8) of the module300. In this way, the strike plate330prevents forces that are exerted on the mating surface322of the optical communications module300from being concentrated around the optics system360and causing damage to the optics system360or moving it out of alignment.

The optically-transmissive window350(FIGS. 8-9B) is typically made of the same molded plastic material that is used to make the housing329, which is typically, but not necessarily, ULTEM polyetherimide made by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) of Saudi Arabia. The window350comprises an optically-transmissive element351(FIG. 9B) that is transmissive to the operating wavelength of the module300, i.e., the wavelength(s) of light that is transmitted and/or received by the module300. As shown inFIG. 9B, the optically-transmissive element351has upper and lower surfaces351aand351b,respectively. The upper and lower surfaces351aand351bare coated with AR coatings, which are generally transparent and therefore are not visible in the figures. These AR coatings minimize reflections of light of the operating wavelength that is incident on the upper and lower AR-coated surfaces351aand351b.Therefore, light of the operating wavelength that is directed in the direction of arrow401(FIG. 9B) normal to the surface351awill not be reflected to a significant extent at the surface351aand will pass through the optically-transmissive element351Likewise, light of the operating wavelength that is directed in the direction of arrow402(FIG. 9B) normal to the surface351bwill not be reflected to any significant extent at the surface351band will pass through the optically-transmissive element351. In this way, the optically-transmissive window350is transmissive to light of the operating wavelength, and allows the optics system360to be located beneath the mating surface322so that forces that are exerted on the mating surface322are not transferred to the optics system360.

In addition, the optically-transmissive element351is embedded in, or integrally formed in, the mating surface322such that the upper surface351ais in close proximity to the mating surface322and is almost coplanar with the mating surface322, as shown inFIG. 9B. Embedding or forming the optically-transmissive element351in the mating surface322provides the same sealing benefits as those described above with reference to the optics system11embedded in the mating surface12of the known optical communications module3shown inFIGS. 1A-1D. The housing329(FIG. 8), which is typically made of plastic, isolates the optics system360and the components that are mounted on the PCB331(FIG. 12) from dust, water vapor and mixed flow gases. The optically-transmissive element351maintains this sealed arrangement by preventing dust, water vapor and mixed flow gases from entering the interior of the housing329through the optically-transmissive window350.

As indicated above, one or more of the protection features described above are incorporated into the optical communications module to protect the optics system from being damaged or moved out of its aligned position. The strike plate redistributes the mechanical load associated with forces that are applied to the strike plate, such as forces associated with the pins of the connector module coming into contact with the strike plate during the process of mating the connector module with the optical communications module. The optically-transmissive window allows the optics system to be positioned beneath the mating surface so that any forces that are exerted on the mating surface are not transferred to the optics system. The decoupling feature mechanically decouples the optics system from the mating surface of the optical communications module to prevent forces that are exerted on the mating surface from being transferred to the optics system. These protection features, therefore, used along or in combination, prevent the optics system from being damaged or moved out of alignment by forces that are exerted on the mating surface.

It should be noted that the invention has been described with respect to illustrative embodiments for the purpose of describing the principles and concepts of the invention. The invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, although the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in connection with optical communications modules having particular designs, the inventions are not limited with respect to the optical communication module designs with which they can be used. Also, although the protection features have been described with reference to particular illustrative embodiments, many variations may be made to the embodiments of the protection features within the scope of the invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art in view of the description being provided herein, such variations are within the scope of the invention.