Fiber optic interface devices for electronic devices

Small-form fiber optic interface devices (20) for electronic devices (200) are disclosed. The device has a ferrule (50) with a body (51) that operably supports at least one waveguide (152) and at least one electrical wire (160). The device has a first electrical contact (90) supported by the ferrule body and a second electrical contact (100) that substantially surrounds the outer surface (57) of the ferrule body front section (56). The ferrule body comprises a dielectric material at least partially interposed between the first and second electrical contacts.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic interface devices, and in particular relates to fiber optic interface devices having a small form factor and suitable for use with electronic devices, particularly consumer electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As consumer devices are steadily using more bandwidth, fiber optic interface devices for these devices will likely move away from electrical connections and toward using optical connections for increased bandwidth. Generally speaking, conventional fiber optic interface devices used for telecommunication networks and the like are not suitable for consumer electronic devices.

For instance, conventional fiber optic interface devices are relatively large compared with the consumer devices and their interfaces. Additionally, conventional fiber optic interface devices are deployed with great care into relatively clean environments and/or cleaned by the craft before connecting the same. Further, even though fiber optic interface devices are reconfigurable (i.e., suitable for mating/unmating), they are not intended for a relatively large number of mating cycles. Instead, conventional fiber optic interface devices are high-precision connectors designed for reducing insertion loss between mating fiber optic interface devices in the optical network.

On the other hand, the consumer electronic devices are expected to have a relatively large number of mating/unmating cycles during ordinary operation. The consumer electronic devices will be operated in a multitude of environments where dirt, dust, and other debris are encountered on a regular basis. Further, consumer electronic devices typically have size and space constraints for making connections. Consequently, there is an unresolved need for fiber optic interface devices suitable for consumer electronic devices.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure is a fiber optic interface device that includes housing having a front end, a rear end and an interior. The device also includes a ferrule having a body with a front section having an outer surface and a front end with a front surface, and a rear section with a rear end. The ferrule rear section is supported in the housing interior with the ferrule front section extending from the housing front end. The ferrule body has at least one bore formed therein that supports at least one optical waveguide that terminates within the ferrule. The ferrule has at least one lens defined on the ferrule front surface and that is operably aligned with the at least one bore. The device also includes a first electrical contact supported by the ferrule body. The device further includes a second electrical contact. The second electrical contact substantially surrounds the ferrule body outer surface of the ferrule front section. The ferrule body comprises a dielectric material at least partially interposed between the first and second electrical contacts.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a fiber optic interface device for an electronic device having an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The device includes a housing having front and rear open ends and an interior. The device also includes a light-transmitting system. The light transmitting system has a front surface and resides at least in part within the housing interior. The light-transmitting system has at least one transmit lens and at least one receive lens. The light-transmitting system defines respective transmit and receive optical paths from the optical transmitter and optical receiver to the front surface of the light-transmitting system. The light-transmitting system defines at least one change in direction in each of the transmit and receive optical paths.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a fiber optic interface device that has a housing with a front end, a rear end and an interior. The device includes a ferrule having a body with opposite sides, a front section having a front end with a front surface, and a rear section with a rear end. The ferrule rear section is supported in the housing interior with the ferrule front section extending from the housing front end. The ferrule body has at least one bore formed therein configured to support at least one optical waveguide that terminates at the ferrule body front surface. The ferrule body having at least one angled facet adjacent the front end and aligned with the at least one bore. The angled facet is configured to have utility in laser processing the at least one optical waveguide. The device includes first and second electrical contacts disposed on the ferrule body sides. The ferrule body front end has a transverse dimension of between about 2 mm and about 4 mm.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, like or similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to like or similar parts. Various modifications and alterations may be made to the following examples within the scope of the present disclosure, and aspects of the different examples may be mixed in different ways to achieve yet further examples. Accordingly, the true scope of the disclosure is to be understood from the entirety of the present disclosure, in view of but not limited to the embodiments described herein.

In some of the Figures, Cartesian coordinates are shown for reference. Also, the terms “plug” and “receptacle” are used as shorthand for different types of fiber optic interface devices for the sake of distinguishing different parts of an interface device assembly. Further, in some of the examples discussed below, the receptacle is part of an electronic device, and a plug is used to plug into the receptacle of the electronic device.

In the discussion below, the term “electronic device” means a device that has either electronic or optical and electronic components and functionality, including a receptacle and associated hardware configured to receive, transmit or both transmit and receive optical signals and also configured to communicate electrical power.

The fiber optic interface devices, fiber optic interface assemblies, and cable assemblies described herein are suitable for making optical or both optical and electrical connections for a variety of devices, and are particularly well suited for consumer electronic devices. The concepts of the disclosure advantageously allow the simple, quick, and economical connection and disconnection of the fiber optic interface devices for a relatively large number of mating cycles.

FIG. 1is an elevated view of an example fiber optic cable assembly10next to an electronic device200. Electronic device200includes a housing210that defines a housing interior211that contains a fiber optic interface device320. Housing210includes a side212and fiber optic interface device320is adjacent side212. Electronic device housing side212includes an aperture214that leads to a front aperture332of fiber optic interface device320. Fiber optic interface device320is configured to receive a plug-type fiber optic interface device20. Accordingly, fiber optic interface device320is referred to hereinbelow as receptacle320.

Fiber optic cable assembly10includes a fiber optic interface device20operably connected to a fiber optic cable150. In an example, fiber optic cable10carries at least one optical fiber152, e.g., two optical fibers152T and152R, with one being a transmit optical fiber and the other a receive optical fiber for respectively carrying transmit and receive optical signals. The at least one optical fibers152has an end154, e.g., optical fibers152T and152R have respective ends154T and154R, as best seen inFIG. 5introduced and discussed below.

Also in an example embodiment, fiber optical cable150carries at least one electrical wire160, e.g., two electrical wires160B and160R (“black and red”) that can carry electrical power. In the example where fiber optic cable150carries at least one optical fiber152and at least one electrical wire160, fiber optic interface device20provides both optical and electrical communication and functionality.

FIG. 2Ais a front elevated view of the top of fiber optic interface device20, whileFIG. 2Bis front-elevated view of the bottom of the fiber optic interface device. To distinguish between other fiber optic interface devices introduced and discussed below, and for ease of discussion, fiber optic interface device20is referred to hereinbelow as plug20.FIG. 2Cis a front-on elevated view of plug20.

With reference toFIG. 2AthroughFIG. 2C, plug20includes a housing21with a central axis A0, a front end22, a rear end24and sides26that constitute part of housing exterior surface27.FIG. 3Ais a front elevated view of an example plug housing21, whileFIG. 3Bis a cross-sectional view of an example plug housing and plug ferrule50taken in the X-Z plane. Housing21defines a housing interior28, a front aperture32and a rear aperture34. A portion of housing exterior surface27adjacent housing rear end24includes strain-relief features40that serve to reduce the amount of strain on fiber optic cable10where the fiber optic cable connects to the housing. Plug20includes a central axis A1that is co-axial with housing central axis A0. In an example, housing21is formed by overmolding and has a unitary structure.

Plug20also includes a plug ferrule50(seeFIG. 3B) arranged in housing interior28and that extends from front aperture32at housing front end22.FIG. 4is a top-down view of plug20, andFIG. 5is a close-up view of plug ferrule50. Plug ferrule50has a body51that includes front end52with a front surface53that includes at least one convex curved surface portion60, and also includes rear end54. In the example shown, two convex curved portions60T and60R are shown. Plug ferrule50includes a central axis APF that in an example is generally aligned with housing axis A0and plug axis A1. In an example, axes A0, A1and APF are coaxial. Plug ferrule50also has a front section56with outer surface57that does not include front-end surface53. Plug ferrule front section56is defined by the portion of plug ferrule50that extends from housing front end22.

In an example, plug ferrule50is made of a material that is substantially transparent to wavelengths in the range from 850 nm to 1550 nm. Example materials for plug ferrule50include a transparent resin such as Polyetheremide ((PEI), sold by the General Electric Company under the trademarked name ULTEM® 1010).

Plug ferrule50includes at least one bore70that runs from plug ferrule rear end54and parallel to plug ferrule central axis APF. The at least one bore70terminates at an end72near plug ferrule front end52, with the at least one bore being aligned with the at least one convex curved portion60of plug ferrule front surface53. Two bores70T and70R (i.e., transmit and receive bores) are shown by way of example. Bore end72and plug ferrule body51define an associated surface75at bore end72. The bore end surface75, the corresponding curved surface portion60on plug ferrule front surface53, and the intervening curved portion60of plug ferrule body51constitutes a plug lens80having a focal length. Thus, curved surface portion60is referred to hereinafter as lens front surface60. In an example, bore end72is axially spaced apart from lens front surface60by about one focal length. Two plug lenses80T and80R (i.e., transmit and receive plug lenses) aligned with respective bores70T and70R are shown by way of example inFIG. 3B.

FIG. 4andFIG. 5illustrate an example where plug ferrule50includes the aforementioned two bores70T and70R (i.e., transmit and receive bores) that respectively support transmit and corresponding receive optical fibers152T and152R. The transmit and receive optical fibers152T and152R are respectively aligned with transmit and receive plug lenses80T and80R. Also shown inFIG. 5are portions of the transmit optical path OPT and receive optical path OPR respectively associated with transmit light600T and receive light600R.

Plug ferrule50also supports a plug electrical contact90(not shown inFIG. 3B) as best viewed inFIG. 2BandFIG. 2C. An example electrical contact90is in the form of a pin and has a front portion92that extends outward from plug ferrule end52along plug ferrule central axis APF. Electrical contact90also includes a rear portion94that resides within plug ferrule body51and that is electrically contacted with at least one electrical wire160. In an example, electrical contact90is used to conduct electrical power and is for example, frictionally engaged with or bonded to the ferrule. In the example electrical contact90takes the form of a pin, but other electrical contact forms can be used for example, a blade, a cylinder, a spring contact, a wire, a male or female shaped contact, or a conductive electrical trace on the ferule.

With reference toFIG. 4and also toFIG. 2C, plug20also includes a sheath100that includes front and rear ends102and104, opposite sides106, opposite top and bottom surfaces108and110and an interior116. Sheath100can completely or at least partially cover ferrule front section56and has, for example, a generally cylindrical shape (e.g., with a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape) and includes a front section122adjacent sheath front end102and a rear section124adjacent rear end104. Thus, sheath100substantially surrounds ferrule front section56. Plug housing21supports sheath rear section124so that sheath front section122extends axially outward from housing front end22and in an example extends beyond plug ferrule front end52. Sheath100includes a central axis AS that is aligned with housing central axis A0, plug central axis A1and ferrule central axis APF, and in an example, these axes are aligned, for example, in a co-axial alignment. In an example, sheath100is made of a conductive material and serves as an additional electrical contact to central electrical contact90. In this case, a second electrical wire160is electrically contacted to sheath100at its rear section124or rear end104(FIG. 4). The ferrule50material has suitable dielectric properties to prevent shorting between the sheath100and electrical contact90and is at least partially interposed therebetween for that purpose.

With reference again toFIG. 2AthroughFIG. 2C, sheath100includes at least one aperture130in at least one sheath side106sized to provide access for a cleaning element132to clean lens front surfaces60T and60R of transmit and receive lenses80T and80R.

Also in an example, at least one of the sheath's top and bottom surfaces108and110includes a keying feature140, such as a groove as best seen inFIG. 2BandFIG. 2C. With reference toFIG. 2C, in an example sheath100has a transverse dimension dPin the range from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. The “horizontal” transverse dimension dPis shown by way of example, and this transverse dimension dPcan also be in the “vertical” transverse direction.

With reference again toFIG. 5and receive optical OPR, guided receive light600RG traveling in fiber optic cable150in receive optical fiber152R in the direction of plug ferrule front end52, exits the receive optical fiber end154R to form divergent receive light600RD. Divergent receive light600RD travels to receive lens80R, which forms either substantially collimated receive light600RC, which may be weakly divergent. In addition, with respect to transmit optical path OPT, substantially collimated transmit light600TC from receptacle320(as discussed below) is incident upon transmit lens80T, which forms focused transmit light600TF that focuses onto transmit optical fiber end154T. This focused light is coupled into transmit optical fiber152T and travels therein as guided transmit light600TG, which then travels down fiber optic cable150.

FIG. 6AandFIG. 6Bare respective rear- and front-elevated, close-up cut-away views of an example fiber optic cable assembly10next to electronic device200. The top portion of electronic device housing210is removed to show receptacle320.FIG. 6Cis a close-up view of side212of electronic device housing210. Housing side212includes an aperture214that leads to receptacle front-end aperture332.

Receptacle320is shown supported on a surface502of a circuit board500. Circuit board500operatively supports a light emitter (“optical transmitter”)510T and a photodetector (“optical receiver”)510R. In an example, optical transmitter510T is or includes a laser such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), and optical receiver510R is or includes a photodiode.

Receptacle320includes a housing321having a front end322, a rear end324and opposite sides326. Front end322is open and defines aforementioned front-end aperture332. Rear end324is also open and defines a rear-end receptacle aperture334. Thus, receptacle housing321defines an interior328with interior walls329, with interior328being is open at front and rear ends322and324, and generally configured as a sleeve. Receptacle320includes two side arms340that extend rearward from and parallel to sides326at receptacle housing rear end324.

With reference toFIG. 6C, in an example receptacle housing front-end aperture332has a transverse dimension dRin the range from 2 mm to 4 mm. The “horizontal” transverse dimension dRis shown by way of example, and this transverse dimension dRcan also be in the “vertical” transverse direction.

Receptacle320further includes a light-transmitting member350, as best seen inFIG. 7A. Light-transmitting member350has a body351with a central axis ARF, a front end352, a rear end354and bottom surface358that is part of an outer surface359. Light-transmitting member350includes a front section356adjacent front end352and a rear section357adjacent rear end354. Front end352defines a front surface353that includes at least one curved surface portion360, while rear end354defines a rear end surface355. In the example shown, two curved portions360are shown on front surface352, namely360T and360R that respectively correspond to transmit and receive receptacle lens surfaces for transmit and receive receptacle lenses380T and380R, as described below.

In an example, light-transmitting member350is made of a material that is substantially transparent to wavelengths in the range from 850 nm to 1550 nm, and further in an example is made of the same material as plug ferrule50. Example materials for light-transmitting member350include the aforementioned transparent resin Polyetheremide ((PEI) or ULTEM® 1010.

Light-transmitting member350includes a central hole388formed in front end352of the light-transmitting member. Central hole388includes a receptacle electrical contact390, e.g., in the form of a conducting sleeve that lines at least a portion of the central hole, i.e., electrical contact390comprises a socket.

Light-transmitting member350is supported by receptacle housing321in receptacle housing interior328. Light-transmitting member350extends out of receptacle housing rear end324and is supported by side arms340. The front end352of light-transmitting member350resides at housing front end322, or is slightly set back therefrom.

In an example, receptacle320further includes an optical turn member400arranged adjacent rear end354of light-transmitting member350. Optical turn member400is light-transmitting and includes a front end402with a front surface403, an input/output end404with a corresponding surface405, and an optical turning surface410. Optical turning surface410is shown by way of example as an angled planar surface, but in other embodiments can be a curved surface, as discussed below. Front end402of optical turn member400is arranged adjacent rear end354of light-transmitting member350. Further, input/output end404is arranged adjacent circuit board surface502and optical transmitter510T and optical receiver510R supported thereon.

In an example of optical turn member400, front surface403and input/output surface405are perpendicular planar surfaces, and optical turning surface410is arranged at 45 degrees relative to surfaces403and405.

Light-transmitting member350and optical turn member400comprise a light-transmitting system450having an optical path OP that has at least one change in the direction, for example an optical bend or turn. The at least one change in direction can be sharp or gradual, depending on the particular configuration of optical turn member400. As discussed below, light-transmitting member350and optical turn member400can be formed as a unitary structure rather than as separate members.

Receptacle320has an associated optical alignment between receptacle housing321, light-transmitting member350, optical turn member400, and optical transmitter510T and optical receiver510R. This optical alignment ensures for adequate (and for the best alignment, optimum) optical communication of transmit light600T and receive light600R over optical path OP and between plug20and receptacle320when the plug and receptacle are mated.

In an example, light-transmitting member350is supported by a first support member366attached to circuit board surface502and upon which the light-transmitting member bottom surface358rests, thereby elevating the light-transmitting member above the circuit board surface502. Also in an example, optical turn member400is supported by a second support member368that also serves to elevate the optical turn member above circuit board surface502. This allows for needed separation between input/output end404of optical turn member400and the optical transmitter510T and optical receiver510R supported on circuit board surface502. An alternative is to make input/output surface405recessed so that input/output end404is supported on circuit board surface502, while the recessed portion of the input/output surface is spaced apart from optical transmitter510T and optical receiver510R.

In an example, light-transmitting member350is supported by first support member366in a manner that allows the light transmitting member to be readily removed from the light-transmitting system450and replaced with another light-transmitting member without substantially affecting the receptacle optical alignment. This allows for receptacle320to be serviced by a straightforward replacement of light-transmitting member350.

With reference again toFIG. 6C, light-transmitting member350is supported within receptacle housing interior328so that there is a gap370between the light-transmitting member outer surface359and housing interior walls329. Gap370is sized to accommodate sheath100so that the sheath surrounds front section326of light-transmitting member350when plug20is mated with receptacle320.

In an example sheath100has a transverse dimension dPin the range from 2 mm to 4 mm. The “horizontal” transverse dimension dPis shown by way of example, and this transverse dimension dPcan also be in the “vertical” transverse direction.

Also, with reference again toFIG. 6A, in an example, optical transmitter510T and optical receiver510R are located in-board from electronic device housing side112by a distance dAfrom about 0.5 mm to about 12 mm.

FIG. 9Ais a schematic cross-sectional view of plug ferrule20and the light-transmitting and optical turn members400of receptacle320, illustrating the optical path OPT of transmit light600T from optical transmitter510T to transmit optical fiber152T. With reference toFIG. 9A, optical transmitter510T emits divergent transmit light600TD that is incident upon input/output surface405of optical turn member400. In an example, input/output surface405includes a transmit lens420T that serves to reduce the amount of divergence in divergent transmit light600TD, i.e., forms weakly convergent (focused) transmit light600Tf. This weakly convergent transmit light600Tf is turned by optical turning surface410(e.g., via internal reflection) and travels to front surface403of optical turn member400. Weakly convergent transmit light600Tf passes through front surface403of optical turn member400and passes through rear end surface355of light-transmitting member350. Weakly convergent transmit light600Tf continues on to receptacle transmit lens360T, which forms from this weakly convergent transmit light more focused transmit light600Tf. This more focused transmit light is received by plug transmit lens80T, which forms a strongly focused transmit light600TF that converges onto end154T of transmit optical fiber152T. This results in the formation of guided transmit light600TG that travels down transmit optical fiber152T and down fiber optic cable150to a remote component (not shown). Note that the transmit optical path OPT includes at least one bend defined by optical turning surface410.

FIG. 9Bis similar toFIG. 9Aand illustrates the optical path OPR of receive light600R from receive optical fiber152R to optical receiver510R. With reference toFIG. 9B, guided receive light600RG traveling in receive optical fiber152R exits receive optical fiber end154R as strongly divergent receive light600RD. This strongly divergent light600RD is received by plug receive lens80R, which forms less divergent receive light600Rd. This less divergent receive light600Rd is then received by receptacle receive lens360R, which forms even less divergent (i.e., weakly divergent) receive light600Rd′ that travels through light-transmitting member body351and exits rear end surface355. This weakly divergent receive light600Rd′ then enters optical turn member400at front surface403and is turned by optical turning surface410(e.g., by internal reflection) to travel to input/output surface405. The weakly divergent receive light600Rd′ then encounters receive lens420R at input/output surface405. Receive lens420R serves to strongly focus weakly divergent receive light600Rd′ to form strongly focused receive light600RF that is incident upon optical receiver510R. Optical receiver510then converts the detected receive light600RF and the optical signals therein into electrical signals (not shown) that are processed by components (not shown) on circuit board500. Note that the receive optical path OPR includes at least one bend defined by optical turning surface410.

The transmit and receive optical paths OPT and OPR respectively described above in connection withFIG. 9AandFIG. 9Brespectively are examples based on an example configuration of lenses. The lens configuration can be varied (including certain lenses being eliminated) to form different optical path configurations, including those described below.

In an alternate example embodiment, light-transmitting member350incorporates optical turn member400, e.g., by having light-transmitting member rear section357configured with an optical turning surface410. An advantage of having optical turn member400be a separate component from light-transmitting member350is that these two components can be separately removed, which can facilitate repair and servicing, as discussed above.

FIG. 10AthroughFIG. 10Care different views of an example plug20wherein plug ferrule50has transmit and receive bores70having bore ends72at ferrule front end52. Further, ferrule body51includes at least one angled facet55adjacent plug ferrule front end52and aligned with bore ends72. The at least one angled facet55is configured so that a laser beam LB can be used to laser process optical fibers152that extend from bores72. Plug ferrule55also has sides56that support respective electrical contacts90. Plug ferrule50also includes a keying feature KF for ensuring the proper orientation (polarization) when mating with a corresponding receptacle having a complementary keying feature.

Plug ferrule50also optionally includes a break-away feature59that allows the plug ferrule to break away when subjected to a substantial transverse mechanical force. An example break-away feature59is a groove formed in plug ferrule body50adjacent housing front end22.

With reference toFIG. 10A, in an example, plug ferrule50has a transverse dimension d in the range from 2 mm to 4 mm. The “horizontal” transverse dimension d is shown by way of example, and this transverse dimension can also be in the “vertical” transverse direction.

FIG. 11Ais a front-end elevated view andFIG. 11Bis a rear-end elevated view of an example receptacle320in device housing210, along with the example plug20ofFIGS. 10A through 10C.FIG. 12Ais a side cut-away view of an example fiber optic interface assembly398with plug20ofFIGS. 11A through 10C, andFIG. 12Bis a close-up side cut-away view of a portion of the fiber optic interface assembly398ofFIG. 12A.

Receptacle320is similar to the example receptacle described above (see, e.g.,FIGS. 6A and 7A) except that electrical contacts390are not internal to light transmitting element350, but rather extend upward from circuit board upper surface502such that they contact plug electrical contacts90when plug20engages receptacle320. Also, optical turn member400includes transmit and receive lenses422T and422R on front surface403in addition to transmit and receive lenses420T and420R on input/output surface405.

FIG. 13AandFIG. 13Bare rear elevated views similar toFIG. 11Bthat show receptacle320with receptacle housing321, and plug20with an adjustable dust cover82having a U-shape with arms83and an end84. Arms83are secured to plug housing21in a hinge-like fashion so that dust cover end84can swing up and cover plug ferrule end52when plug20is unmated and swing away from the plug ferrule end when plug20is mated. In an example, adjustable dust cover end84includes a cleaning material85that serves to clean plug ferrule end52as the dust cover moves in and out of the covering position.

FIG. 14AandFIG. 14Bare similar toFIG. 9AandFIG. 9Band respectively illustrate the transmit light and receive light optical paths OPT and OPR for the fiber optic interface assembly398ofFIG. 12A. With reference toFIG. 14A, optical transmitter510T emits divergent transmit light600TD that is incident upon input/output surface405of optical turn member400. In an example, input/output surface405includes a transmit lens420T that serves to form substantially collimated transmit light600TC. This substantially collimated transmit light600TC is turned by optical turning surface410(e.g., via internal reflection) and travels to front surface403of optical turn member400and to transmit lens422T. Transmit lens422T converts substantially collimated transmit light610C to weakly focused transmit light600Tf, which passes through rear end surface355of light-transmitting member350and continues on to receptacle transmit lens360T. Receptacle transmit lens360T forms this weakly focused transmit light into more focused transmit light600Tf. This more focused transmit light is received by plug transmit lens80T, which forms a strongly focused transmit light600TF that converges onto end154T of transmit optical fiber152T. This results in the formation of guided transmit light600TG that travels down transmit optical fiber152T and down fiber optic cable150to a remote component (not shown). Note that the transmit optical path OPT includes at least one bend (i.e., change in direction) defined by optical turning surface410.

FIG. 14Bis similar toFIG. 14Aand illustrates the optical path of receive light600R from receive optical fiber152R to optical receiver510R. With reference toFIG. 14B, guided receive light600RG traveling in receive optical fiber152R exits receive optical fiber end154R as strongly divergent receive light600RD. This strongly divergent light is received by plug receive lens80R, which forms less divergent receive light600Rd. This less divergent receive light600Rd is then received by receptacle receive lens360R, which forms even less divergent (i.e., weakly divergent) receive light600Rd′ that travels through light-transmitting member body351and exits rear end surface355. This weakly divergent receive light then enters optical turn member at front surface403by passing through receive lens422R, which forms substantially collimated receive light600RC. The substantially collimated receive light600RC travels to optical turning surface410and is turned (e.g., by internal reflection) to travel to input/output surface405. Substantially collimated receive light600RC then encounters receive lens420R at input/output surface405. Receive lens420R serves to strongly focus substantially collimated receive light600RC to form focused receive light600RF that is incident upon optical receiver510R. Optical receiver510then converts the detected receive light600RF and the optical signals therein into electrical signals (not shown) that are processed by components (not shown) on circuit board500. Note that the receive optical path OPR includes at least one bend (i.e., change in direction) defined by optical turning surface410.

The receptacles320described above serve to deliver optical signals from an inboard optical transmitter510T to the periphery (e.g., device housing side212) of electronic device200. Likewise, the receptacles320serve to deliver optical signals from an external fiber optic cable assembly10attached to the electronic device periphery212to an inboard optical receiver510R. The use of both a light-transmitting element350and an optical turn element400facilitates replacing components of the receptacle320. The judicious placement of at least one plug electrical contact90and corresponding at least one receptacle electrical contact390allows fiber optic interface assembly398to have both optical and electrical communication.