Optoelectronic assembly

Abstract: An optoelectronic assembly (10) for providing bidirectional data transmission between fiber optic means (11) and an electrical circuit member (13). The assembly includes a two-part housing (17) with first and second receptacle sections (23, 25) designed for accommodating a pair of optoelectronic devices (31, 33). One of these devices serves as a receiver and the other a transmitter. These devices are aligned within the housing and electrically connected to a substrate member (27) also positioned within the housing. The substrate provides the necessary electrical functioning and is in turn electrically connected via conductor pins (69) to the described circuit member, this connection occurring through an opening within the bottom portion of the two-part housing. The assembly is designed for coupling with individual optical fiber members or, alternatively, with a common duplex connector having optical fibers therein.

Description: The invention relates to optoelectronic data transmission and particularly to optoelectronic assemblies for providing same. Even more particularly, the invention relates to such assemblies for use in information handling systems (computers) and the like. Manufacturers and those who utilize information handling systems have become extremely interested in the utilization of optical fibers as a means for transmitting data information. Advantages of using optical fibers over other kinds of transmission media (e.g., electrical wiring) are well known. For example, optical systems are highly resistant to electromagnetic interference which occasionally plagues systems using electrical cables. Additionally, optical systems are considered more secure than known electrical systems since it is substantially more difficult for unauthorized personnel to tap or access an optical fiber without being detected. As is further known, optical fibers transmit data information using single or multiple strands of fibers each having an inner circular glass core coated with a circumferential cladding having a different index of refraction from that of the core. Light is transmitted along the core and reflected internally at the cladding. Transmissions lines (e.g., optical fibers) used in information handling systems known today are formed of either a single fiber or a plurality (bundle) of such fibers encased within a protective sheath. As also known, such fibers are coupled to various fiber optic connector assemblies and utilized within computers in selected manners. Examples of various means for providing connections between optical fiber means (e.g. cables) and electronic circuitry are illustrated in U.S. Patents 4,273,413, 4,547,039, 4,647,148 and 4,707,067 and in EP-A-0 419 875 and EP-A-0 422 608. In US 4,273,413 a connector for optically coupling an optic transmission cable and a photoelectric element of an electronic circuit is disclosed which comprises a metal body having a base portion constructed for mounting on a surface of a circuit board, a sleeve portion of said body having a flatterned portion for association coplanar with said a surface of a circuit board on which said body is mounted to provide a low profile for said body, said sleeve portion having a profile bore therethrough, a photoelectric element mounted in a first resilient ferrule with electrical leads protruding from said ferrule for pluggable connection in the circuit board on which said body is mounted, said ferrule being received in one end of said profiled bore, and means for retaining said ferrule in said bore. This sleeve being externally threaded to receive a threaded cap rotatably mounted on a second resilient ferrule provided at the end of an optic cable and pluggable received in said profiled bore and optically coupling said optic cable and said photoelectric element. US 4,547,039 discloses a housing member which has a profiled bore extending therethrough in one section of which a ferrule member containing an electro-optic member is secured by a removable retaining clip member that also acts as a heat sink member. Another ferrule member of a fiber optic connector terminated onto a fiber optic transmission member is disposed in another section of the profiled bore and the latchably secured therein by spring latching members secured in the housing. A fiber optic receiver module is described in US 4,647,148 which comprises a substrate and circuit elements (i.e. IC and resistors, etc.) mounted on the substrate. The IC are electrically connected by bonding wires and bonding pads to input and output conductive patterns extending within the substrate. The leads of a photodetector are electrically connected to the input conductive pattern. The output terminals of the module are connected to the output terminals of the IC by the output conductive pattern. Conductive layers are formed within the substrate. They are held at ground potential. The input and output conductive patterns are shielded from one another by these conductive layers. The circuit elements are shielded from the outside by a seal ring and a conductive shell both fixed to the upper surface of the substrate. The photodetector is located within a space defined by the seal ring, a metal cover covering the ring, a receptacle and a metal plate secured to the lower surface of the substrate. Hence, this element is shielded from the circuit elements and the output terminals of the module. Further, US 4,707,067 describes an opto-electronic module housing for positioning an end of an optical fiber in a desired position relative to an active area of an opto-electronic component characterized by the housing including an optical fiber connector having an adjustment plane at one end and an arrangement for holding an end of an optical fiber with the axis of the fiber on an axis extending perpendicular to the adjustment plane with the end being a fixed distance from the plane, an adjustment frame being securable to the adjustment plane and an arrangement for locating an opto-electronic component or transducer relative to the frame including a plate having the component mounted thereon. The arrangement including the plate is securable to the frame and the frame and the arrangement enable adjusting the component in three spatial directions relative to the end of the fiber to obtain an optimum adjustable position. The module housing can be received in an outer gas and light-tight housing in which case the connector extends through a wall of a can or member forming part of the outer housing which coats with a lid the enable access to the interiorly disposed module housing. The component can either be a light-emitting opto-electronic component or a light-optoelectronic receiving component. EP-A-0 419 875 discloses a light communication having a plurality of light communication apparatus units buried therein. Photo-connector receptacles of the light communication apparatus units are integrally formed with a coupling member to form a multi-core photo-receptacle. The multi-core photo receptacle is formed so that no jig is necessary to position each photo-connector receptacle. EP-A-0 442 608 describes a transceiver package comprising a receptacle for receiving a plug connection for optical cables and a transceiver subassembly received by the receptacle, walls of the receptacle define an opening of fixed dimensions to receive the connector, a platform of the subassembly supports a circuit board carrying multiple circuit components and optical transmitter and receiver devices in ports for connection with the connector, posts project from the circuit board and extend through the platform and through an opening in a corresponding wall, and a key element is retained in one of the walls for fitting along a groove of the connector. The invention as claimed is intended to provide an enhanced optoelectronic assembly and particularly of the type involving data transmission between fiber optics and electrical processing components. In US-4 727 248 a device is disclosed for detecting the passage of objects with a component board carrying on a single surface of the board optoelectronic components consisting of a light source and a photodetector. The arrangement is in a unitary molded plastic case. The inferiority of that device for a high end technology optoelectronical assembly is obvious for a skilled person just because of the plastic housing and the resulting heat problems. The subject-matter of the invention is an optoelectronic assembly as defined in claim 1. In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is thus provided an optoelectronic assembly for providing bidirectional data transmission between fiber optic means (e.g., optical fiber members) and an electrical circuit member (e.g., printed circuit board), the assembly comprising a housing including a base portion with first and second receptacle sections therein and a cover portion for being attached to the base portion, a first optoelectronic device (e.g., transmitter) positioned within the first receptacle portion of the housing for receiving electrical data signals and for converting these to optical data transmission signals, a second optoelectronic device (e.g., receiver) positioned within the base portion's second receptacle portion for receiving optical data transmission signals (from the fiber optic means) and for converting these to electrical data signals, and a substrate member positioned within the housing relative to both optoelectronic devices. The substrate member (e.g., ceramic) includes two circuitized sections, the first of which is electrically connected to the first optoelectronic device for providing the electrical data signals thereto, and the second of which is electrically connected to the second optoelectronic device for receiving the converted electrical data signals from this second device. The invention describes an optoelectronic assembly which provides bidirectional data transmission between fiber optic means (e.g., optical fibers) and an electrically conducting circuit member (e.g., printed circuit board) which in turn may form part of a larger, overall information processor (e.g., computer). The invention thus serves to link fiber optic communication apparatus with electrical information processing apparatus and thus obtain the advantages associated with optical fiber transmission (e.g., as stated above). The optoelectronic assembly of the present invention includes a two-part housing including a base portion with receptacle sections therein, each of which is designed for having one of two optoelectronic devices (transmitter or receiver) therein. The housing thus assures precise alignment of these devices with respect to the optical fibers (typically contained in a suitable connector) being coupled thereto as well as the remaining internal components of the assembly. Also within the housing is a substrate (e.g., ceramic) which includes two circuitized sections, each section being electrically connected to a respective optoelectronic device for providing selected functions with respect thereto. This substrate in turn is adapted for being electrically coupled to an electrical circuit member (e.g., printed circuit board) to thus complete the optical-electrical connection. The invention as defined is of relatively simple construction, is relatively easy to assemble (thus making it readily adaptable to mass production) and, because of its construction, is capable of operating at relatively high frequencies (e.g. within the range of about five megahertz to approximately two gigahertz). It is believed that an optoelectronic assembly possessing the above and other advantageous features would constitute a significant advancement in the art. For a better understanding of the present invention, together with further objects and advantages, preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an optoelectronic assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the assembly shown capable of providing interconnection between two optical fiber members and an electrical circuit member; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an optoelectronic assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, this assembly illustrated as being adapted for receiving a common optical connector containing therein two optical fiber components; FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the optoelectronic assembly of FIG. 2 in assembled form and positioned on an electrical circuit member (e.g., printed circuit board); FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, in section and on an enlarged scale, of the optoelectronic assembly of FIG. 1, showing the assembly's housing mounted on the electrical circuit member; FIG. 5 is a side elevational view , on a much enlarged scale and in section, illustrating the electrical connections provided by the invention between one of the invention's optoelectronic devices and the substrate member contained within the invention's housing. Electrical connections between the substrate and the electrical circuit member are also shown; FIG. 6 is a partial view, in section and on a much enlarged scale, illustrating the radio frequency (RF) shield means as used on the substrate of the invention and illustrating how this shield means engages the cover portion of the invention's housing. This view also illustrates the electrical connection between the shield means of the invention and the circuitry which forms part of the invention's substrate; and FIG. 7 is a partial view, on a much enlarged scale, illustrating one version of providing electrical connection between the optoelectronic devices as used in the invention and the circuitry which forms part of the invention's substrate member. In FIG. 1, there is shown an optoelectronic assembly 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Assembly 10, as defined, is capable of providing bidirectional data transmission between fiber optic means 11 and an electrical circuit member 13 (e.g., printed circuit board 15). As such, assembly 10 thus provides an interconnection between optic means 11 wherein optical inputs are provided and an electrical conductor wherein converted optical signals are processed. By way of example, the circuit member 13 may form part of a larger information handling system (computer) of a type known in the art. The circuit member 13 may be electrically connected to the remaining electrical circuitry of such a processor by known connection means (e.g., a circuit board connector of the zero insertion force variety). As further defined, assembly 10 receives optical input from optic means 11 and converts this input to electrical signals for subsequent processing (e.g., by the processor to which the circuit member 13 is electrically connected). Assembly 10 further provides means whereby electrical signals from the processor are converted to optical signals and transmitted out through optic means 11. Assembly 10 includes a housing 17 of two-part construction. Housing 17 is preferably metallic (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, or copper) and includes a base portion 19 and a cover portion 21 designed for being secured to the base portion 19 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4). Base portion 19, of substantially rectangular configuration, includes a pair of receptacle portions 23 and 25 of substantially semi-cylindrical configuration. Each of these receptacle portions is designed for accommodating a respective optoelectronic device to thus strategically position the devices within housing 17 in a precise form of alignment. Such alignment is considered essential, particularly when assembly 10 is to be optically coupled to combined (duplex) optic means (FIG. 2). Such alignment is also considered significant to assure positive, sound electrical connections between these devices and the substrate member 27 of the invention. Base portion 19, as shown in FIG. 4, is designed for resting atop an upper surface 16 of circuit board 15 when assembly 10 is joined thereto. Each of the illustrated receptacle portions 23 and 25 in base portion 19, as stated, is of substantially semicylindrical configuration. Further, these receptacle portions 23, 25 lie substantially parallel to one another and are spaced slightly apart in base portion 19. Also stated, each receptacle portion is designed for having one of the invention's optoelectronic devices 31 and 33 positioned therein. Each optoelectronic device, as shown, includes a substantially cylindrical container for its outer housing and includes therein the necessary components (not shown) to satisfactorily perform the functions required. In FIG. 1, device 31, designed for being positioned within receptacle portion 23, is adapted for receiving electrical data signals from respective circuitry on substrate 27 and for converting these electrical signals to optical data signals for transmittance through a respective optical fiber member 37′ connected thereto. Such an optical fiber member may be one currently available in the art and which includes a suitable connector end 39′ thereon adapted for being secured to (e.g., screwed onto) a projecting end 41 of device 31. It is understood, however, that such a component will include at least one optical fiber therein having an end section (e.g. ferrule) 43′ which is designed for being strategically positioned within device 31 in precise alignment with respective elements therein. Device 31 thus serves as a transducer for converting electrical signals from substrate 27 to desired optical data for passage outwardly through fiber 37′. In this capacity, device 31 serves as a transmitter of optical signals through optical fiber 37′. Preferably, device 31 comprises a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser (not shown), both of known construction. Typically, a complete optoelectronic device of this type includes a die (semiconductor) which comprises an emitter, a header for providing mechanical support to the emitter, a lens for focusing light output generated by the LED or laser, and suitable electrical connections (illustrated in the drawings as conductor wires 51). Understandably, device 31 is electrically connected to circuitry on substrate 27 by these conductor wires (e.g., copper). Device 31 is particularly designed for receiving parallel data from the information system to which circuit member 15 is connected, said parallel data being serialized by an appropriate serializer (not shown) and then supplied directly to device 31 by wires 51. Electrical interconnection between device 31 and the circuitry which forms part of circuit member 15 (see FIG. 5) is provided by substrate 27. Specifically, substrate 27 includes two circuitized sections 61 and 63, each including appropriate circuitry and discreet devices, including at least one semiconductor chip 65 as part thereof. The circuitry of each circuitized section 61 and 63 is electrically connected to respective conductive pins 69 which project from beneath the substrate and are designed for being electrically connected to circuit board 15 in a manner defined below. Accordingly, the circuitry of the first circuitized section 61 serves to appropriately connect respective circuitry within board 15 to the conductive wiring 51 of device 31, this wiring preferably secured to appropriate circuit elements (e.g., conductor pads 71) found on the upper surface of substrate 27 and within section 61. Even more particularly, each projecting end of wiring 51 is soldered to these pads 71 to provide the appropriate electrical connections. One example of such a pad is also shown in FIG. 5. Thus it is seen that the base portion 19 of housing 17 serves to precisely align device 31 not only with respect to the corresponding optical fiber but also with respect to a designated location on the substrate's respective circuitized section 61 such that sound electrical connections may be made thereto. The housing 17 also serves to align device 31 relative to the adjacent device 33. As further shown in FIG. 1, optoelectronic assembly 10 further includes the second optoelectronic device 33 which, similarly to the first device 31, is positively seated within base portion 19 of the invention's housing and designed for being electrically connected through wiring 51 to the second circuitized section 63 of substrate 27. Such an electrical connection between the device's wiring 51 and respective circuitry on section 63 is preferably achieved in a similar fashion to that for wiring 51 of device 31. The circuitry of circuitized section 63, like that of section 61, is located on an upper surface of the dielectric substrate (e.g., ceramic) of member 27 and is electrically coupled to conductive pins 69 in a similar fashion to that of a circuitry of section 61. Thus, these pins are also utilized to electrically connect the circuitry at this portion of substrate member 27 with corresponding circuitry within/upon board 15. Device 33 is designed for receiving optical data signals from a second optical fiber 37, which, like optical fiber 37′, includes a connector 39 or the like at the end thereof, as well as a projecting end (ferrule) 43 for being precisely aligned within the container 35 of device 33. The connecting end section of fiber 39′ is also designed for being firmly attached (e.g. screwed) onto a projecting end 41 of container 35, which end 41, like end 41 for device 31, projects slightly from the periphery of the containing, two-part housing 17. This extension is best seen in FIG. 4. Device 33 includes therein a die which functions as a detector, a header for mechanical support, a lens for focusing the optical input onto the device's die, and projecting wiring 51 to provide the aforementioned electrical connections. The die as used herein, like the die used in device 31, may comprise any suitable material for the emission or detection of photons (depending on the function described), including silicon or gallium arsenide. Particularly, the respective die may be located on the aforementioned header member which in turn may include the projecting wiring 51 connected thereto and/or projecting therefrom. Device 33, in addition to being a transducer as is device 31, thus functions as a receiver of optical data signals from fiber member 37 and provides the function of converting these incoming signals from the optical fiber to electrical data signals for passage (transmittance) to the second circuitized section 63 of the ceramic substrate member 27. Preferably, the internal circuitry of device 33 further includes amplification circuitry for amplifying the relatively weak electrical signals prior to subsequent transmission. Further, these signals are also deserialized by appropriate circuitry (not shown) in order to provide parallel data output through board 15. Such amplification and deserialization may be accomplished using known electrical components. However, it is to be understood that this circuitry, particularly the deserializing portion, may be located on and form part of the circuitry of the second circuitized portion 63 on the invention's substrate. Essentially, the circuitry used in both the receiving and transmitting sections of substrate 27 may be constructed to include passive components together with other discrete active components and selected integrated circuit components. The preferred receiving component in device 33 is a photodiode, several of which are known in the art and added description of these is also not deemed necessary. In FIG. 2, there is shown an optoelectronic assembly 10′ in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Assembly 10′ includes many of the similar components shown for assembly 10 in FIG. 1 and these components are thus similarly numbered. Assembly 10′, as shown, is particularly adapted for receiving a fiber optic connector 72 of the duplex variety. Specifically, known art connector 72 serves as a common connector to house therein a pair of optical fibers (e.g., fibers such as 37 and 37′), each of which is designed for being optically connected to a respective one of the optoelectronic devices 31 and 33. Thus, both fibers are encased within a common sheath 73 which projects from a rear section of the common housing 75. At the forward end of housing 75 can be seen two projecting ferrules 77 which each include a respective one of optical fibers therein. The common connector 72 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 may also include latch segments 79 on opposite sides thereof (for the purpose defined below). To accommodate common connector 72, the invention's housing 17 includes an extension section 81 of substantially boxlike configuration (FIGS. 2 and 3) and which is designed for being attached (using extending clip sections 83) to a corresponding end section of the assembled housing 17. This arrangement is best shown in FIG. 3. As also shown in FIG. 3, extension section 81 may be directly attached to the circuit board 15 to thus provide additional rigidity at this portion of the invention. In operation, the common connector 72 is inserted within an end of extension section 81 (see the arrow in FIG. 2) until each of the respective ferrules 77 is inserted within a depending alignment section 91 (two shown in FIG. 2). These ferrules pass through the hollow sections 91 and are inserted in aligned fashion within the hollow, open ends 41 of devices 31 and 33. It is also possible to utilize extension section 81 to accommodate individual fiber members 37 and 37′ wherein said members are not contained within a common connector. Housing 17, when assembled, thus serves to both accurately align devices 31 and 33 as well as assure alignment of the corresponding common connector being inserted therein. Final retention of connector 72 will be provided using latches 79, which engage corresponding slots 93 in the end of extension section 81. The extension section 81 can also extend beyond the outer periphery of circuit board 15 such that section 81 is not attached thereto. In such an arrangement, which would allow for greater utilization of board space, only housing 17 (via substrate 27) would be secured to the board. In FIG. 4, a much enlarged cross-sectional view, in elevation, of the assembly 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. It is also understood that this cross-section also applies to the embodiment in FIG. 2; however, extension section 81 is not shown. In FIG. 4, the cover portion 21 of housing 17 is shown as being secured to base portion 19 with the optoelectronic device 31 securedly positioned within the receptacle Portion 23 defined by base portion 19 and the internal periphery of cover portion 21. Thus, both the base 19 and cover 21 include matching semicylindrical indentations which, when the housing is assembled, serve to define a pair of substantially cylindrical openings within the housing to seat and retain both devices 31 and 33. Cover 21 may be secured to base portion 19 using an appropriate adhesive (e.g., conductive epoxy). Preferably, the cover is welded or soldered to the base. When so attached, these two portions of housing 17 form a seal about the internal chamber 95 in which are positioned the invention's substrate 27 and circuitry and assorted electronic components mounted thereon (e.g., die 65). To provide appropriate sinking for heat generated by such components, cover portion 21 is shown to also include heat sinking means 97 (e.g., a plurality of spaced, upstanding fins 99) therein. As stated above, cover 21 is also of metallic material (e.g., aluminum, copper, and stainless steel) to thus further assure effective heat sinking. As also seen in FIG. 4, substrate member 27 rests upon a ledge 100 formed about the internal lower periphery of base portion 19. This ledge thus serves to have the bottom part of the planar ceramic substrate member 27 positively seated thereon. Additionally, a sealant material (not shown) is also preferably utilized to provide a seal for this portion of the invention. For example, such sealant material may be initially placed on ledge 100 and the planar ceramic substrate positioned thereon. As is also seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, ledge portion 100 defines a rectangular opening 101 within base portion 19. It is through this opening that the conductive pins 69 (arranged in a rectangular pattern) of substrate member 27 project so as to be positioned within corresponding apertures 110 in board 15 (see also FIG. 5) or surface attached (e.g., soldered) to provided conductor pads on the upper surface of the board. Such pads may be copper. In comparing FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6, the invention is shown to further include a radio frequency (RF) shield member 103 located on an upper surface of the ceramic substrate 27 between circuitized section 61 and 63. This shield 103, as best seen in FIG. 6, includes a flexible (curvilinear) upper portion 105 which engages cover portion 21 of housing 17 when the cover is attached to base portion 19. The flexible portion 105 thus accommodates for dimensional tolerances in both housing portions to further facilitate assembly of the invention. Shield 103 serves to substantially prevent RF interference between circuitized sections 61 and 63 during operation of the assembly of the invention. Further, the shield may be electrically connected to one or more projecting pins 69 of substrate member 27, said pins in turn electrically coupled to ground (e.g., to a ground plane within board 15) such that the metallic housing 17 of the invention is also electrically ground. Shield 103 thus provides a dual function (RF shielding and electrical grounding) for the invention. In FIG. 5 there is shown a much enlarged sectional view indicating one example of the substrate 27 and electrical circuit member 13 for use in the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, substrate 27 includes the aforementioned, substantially planar ceramic substrate member 109 having pins 69 securedly positioned therein. Only two pins are represented in FIG. 5 but it is understood that several others are preferably used. In one example of the invention, a total of about 150. pins 69 were used for member 27. Each pin 69 is preferably copper and inserts within (and is connected to, e.g., soldered) a corresponding aperture 110 within board 15. Such apertures may comprise plated-through-holes (PTH) as are known in the printed circuit board art. Accordingly, the pins may be electrically coupled to respective layers of circuitry found within such a multilayered structure as indicated in FIG. 5. For example, if the pin 69 to the left in FIG. 5 is to serve as a power pin (connected to an appropriate power source) the pin would be connected to the associated power plane 113 found in the multilayered board 15. If the pin 69 is to serve as a signal pin (for example, the pin to the right in FIG. 5), this pin would be electrically connected to a respective signal plane 115 also found in the multilayered structure of board 15. It is to be understood that the above are representative examples only and that alternative layers (and numbers thereof) and associated structures may be utilized for a multilayered board as shown herein. By the term pin as used herein is meant to include metallic elements of the configuration depicted herein as well as other conductive elements of different configurations (e.g., pad-shaped terminals adapted for being soldered or similarly joined to respective circuit members, including other pad-shaped conductors, located on the upper surface of substrate 27). Such pad-shaped terminals may be of copper or other highly conductive materials. As further shown in FIG. 5, the upper surface of ceramic substrate member 27 includes conductive circuitry 117 thereon. This circuitry may comprise a first conductive layer 119 (e.g. which may serve as a ground plane), a second dielectric layer (e.g. polyimide) 121 located substantially over the ground plane 119, and a second (or upper) conductive layer 123. Layer 123 may comprise several individual circuitized portions (signal lines) to respective devices and other components which form part of substrate member 27 (and described above). Accordingly, each pin as shown in FIG. 5 is preferably electrically connected to a separate, spaced conductor 123, depending on the function desired. It is understood that this technology may be directly utilized in producing the invention and will thus expedite such manufacture. As also shown in FIGS. 5, each of the pins preferably includes a head portion 125 of substantially bulbous configuration and which is electrically connected to the respective separate upper conductor 123 by an appropriate conductor material (e.g. solder 127). It is also understood that the invention is fully capable of being produced without the need for multilayered circuitry in that, in its broadest concept, only a singular conductive layer need be utilized to provide the appropriate electrical connections for substrate number 27. The above multilayered technology is preferred, however, because of its greater capacity. Such conductive layers, including the ground layer 119, may be comprised of copper or alloys thereof (e.g., chromium-copper-chromium). To provide enhanced electrostatic discharge (ESD) and/or electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection for the circuitry within assembly 10 (e.g., from external electrical noise), it is possible to provide an additional ground plane (e.g., in the form of a substantially solid copper layer) on the bottom surface of the ceramic substrate 27. In FIG. 7, there is shown an alternative means for electrically connecting one of the optoelectronic devices (e.g., 31) with the associated circuitry (not shown) on the upper surface of substrate member 27. In this embodiment, the device's conductive wiring are shown as being encased within a flexible dielectric (e.g., polyimide) to form a flexible tape member 131. Tape member 131 includes the spaced wiring (e.g., copper) 133 therein. Wiring 133 includes exposed end portions 135 which in turn are connected (e.g., soldered) to the respective conductors (not shown) of the optoelectronic device and those (e.g., conductor pads 71) located on the upper surface of substrate 27. This thus represents another means for facilitating assembly of the invention. It is also understood that both devices 31 and 33 can be connected using such a flexible tape member as depicted in FIG. 7. Tape 131 also serves to substantially reduce electromagnetic interference as may be produced if exposed conductor wires are utilized at this location in the invention. Encased conductive wiring 133 as shown in FIG. 7 will not produce such interference to a level significantly enough to adversely affect the operational characteristics of the remaining various electronic components used within the invention. Although only three conductors 133 are shown in FIG. 7 (and FIGS. 1 and 2), it is understood that the invention is not limited to this number. For example, when using a flexible tape such as tape 131, four conductors may be utilized, including anode and cathode conductors substantially centrally located within the flat tape and a pair of ground conductors running parallel thereto, each ground located along an outer peripheral side of the tape. The tape member could also be a multilayered structure including at least one ground layer as part thereof to thereby provide enhanced ESD/EMI protection for the conductors within tape member 131. Additionally, it is also possible in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 to use only two conductive wires 51 for each device, these functioning only as the anode and cathode conductors. Grounding can be provided internally of each device to the conductive (metallic) casing 35 of each device, this casing thus being electrically ground by virtue of the metallic housing 17 to which each casing is electrically connected being grounded (the device's conductive housings physically contacting the housing when located therein). Thus there has been shown and described an opto-electronic assembly which is capable of operating at relatively high frequencies (e.g., from about five megahertz to two gigahertz) to provide effective bidirectional data transmission between appropriate fiber optic means and an associated electrical circuit member (e.g., multilayered printed circuit board having electrically isolated layers of circuitry therein). In two examples of the invention, frequencies of about 200 megahertz and about 1.1 gigahertz, respectively, were observed. The invention as defined is thus capable of high capacity operation and is also readily adaptable to mass production, thereby assuring a final product capable of being produced at minimal cost.

Claims: An optoelectronic assembly (10) for providing bidirectional data transmission between an electrical circuit member (13) and fiber optic means (11) including a pair of optical fiber members (37), said assembly comprising: a housing (17) including a base section (19) having first and second elongate receptacle portions (23, 25) therein, and a cover section (21) for being attached to said base section, a first optoelectronic device (31) positioned within said first elongate receptacle portion of said housing for receiving electrical data signals and for converting said electrical data signals to optical data signals; a second optoelectronic device (33) positioned within said second elongate receptacle portion of said housing for receiving optical data signals and for converting said optical data signals to electrical data signals; and a substrate member (27) located within said housing adjacent said first and second optoelectronic devices and adapted for being electrically coupled to said electrical circuit member, said substrate member including first and second circuitized sections (61, 63), said first circuitized section being electrically connected to said first optoelectronic device for providing said electrical data signals thereto and said second circuitized section being electrically connected to said second optoelectronic device for receiving said electrical data siqnals therefrom, wherein said first and second elongate receptacle portions are constituted by two apertures in a wall of said housing, wherein said first optoelectronic device includes an outer container (35) with a tubular end portion (41) extending therefrom, said outer container being securedly positioned within one of said apertures in a wall of said housing, with said tubular end portion of said container projecting outwardly from said housing, said projecting tubular end portion of said first optoelectronic device being adapted for enabling the connection of one of said optical fiber members thereto to provide said optical data signals converted from said electrical data signals to said optical fiber member, and wherein said second optoelectronic device includes an outer container with a tubular end portion extending therefrom, said outer container of said second optoelectronic device being securedly positioned within the other of said apertures in a wall of said housing, with said tubular end portion of said container projecting outwardly from said housing, said projecting tubular end portion of said second optoelectronic device being adapted for enabling the connection of the other of said optical fiber members thereto for receiving said optical data signals which said second optoelectronic device converts to said electrical data signals. The optoelectronic assembly according to Claim 1 wherein said base portion of said housing includes a ledge portion (100) therein, said substrate member located within said housing being positioned on said ledge portion. The optoelectronic assembly according to Claim 2 wherein said ledge portion defines an opening (101) within said housing, said substrate member being intended to be electrically coupled to said electrical circuit member through said opening. The optoelectronic assembly according to Claim 3 wherein said substrate member is secured to said ledge portion, preferably by a sealant material, to thereby provide a seal for said opening. The optoelectronic assembly according to Claim 3 or 4 wherein said substrate member comprises a plurality of conductive pins (69), said pins projecting through said opening and being adapted for being electrically coupled to respective circuitry within said electrical circuit member. The optoelectronic assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein said housing of said optoelectronic assembly further includes an extension section (81) located adjacent said base and cover sections. The optoelectronic assembly according to Claim 6 for connection to a pair of optical fiber members contained within a common connector (72), said extension section of said housing being adapted for receiving said common connector. The optoelectronic assembly according to Claim 7 wherein said extension section is connected to said base and cover sections of said housing, preferably said extension section is adapted for being secured to said electrical circuit member. The optoelectronic assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein said first optoelectronic device comprises an LED or a laser and said second optoelectronic device comprises a photodiode. The optoelectronic assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein said substrate member includes shield means (103) thereon, said shield means located between said first and second circuitized sections of said substrate member to provide RF shielding therebetween. The optoelectronic assembly according to Claim 10 wherein said shield means includes a flexible upper portion (105) for engaging said cover section of said housing when said cover section is attached to said base section. The optoelectronic assembly according to Claim 11 wherein said shield means is intended to be electrically connected to electrical ground circuitry within said electrical circuit member, thereby electrically grounding said housing during operation of said assembly. The optoelectronic assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein each of said first and second circuitized sections of said substrate are electrically connected to said first and second optoelectronic devices, respectively, by a plurality of conductor wires (51). The optoelectronic assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein said substrate member is intended to be connected to an electrical circuit member (15) comprising a multilayered circuit member including electrically separated layers of circuitry therein. The optoelectronic assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein said cover section of said housing includes heat sinking elements (97) therein, preferably each of said heat sinking elements is an upstanding fin (99).

Inventors: ARVANITAKIS NICOLAOS CONSTANTI, BLACK VINCENT JOSEPH, CORLEY RICHARD EARL JR, NOLAN RICHARD GERARD, OLSON LEONARD THEODORE JR, ARVANITAKIS, NICOLAOS CONSTANTINE, BLACK, VINCENT JOSEPH, CORLEY, RICHARD EARL, JR., NOLAN, RICHARD GERARD, OLSON, LEONARD THEODORE, JR.
Applicants: IBM, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
Application year: 1991
Main classification: G02B6
IPC codes: H01L31, H01S5, H01L33, G02B6