Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6802654?dq=5787449
Timestamp: 2017-06-26 14:14:23
Document Index: 57321173

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'application No. 09', 'application No. 09', 'application No. 09', 'application No. 09', 'application No. 09', 'application No. 10', 'application No. 10', 'application No. 10']

Patent US6802654 - Electrical connector for opto-electronic modules - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsThe invention comprises a connector apparatus for electrically interconnecting a chip sub-assembly to an optical sub-assembly. The apparatus includes a connector sleeve with a chip sub-assembly having at least one electrical connection arranged thereon. The connector sleeve is suitable for receiving...http://www.google.com/patents/US6802654?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6802654 - Electrical connector for opto-electronic modulesAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS6802654 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/119,619Publication dateOct 12, 2004Filing dateApr 9, 2002Priority dateAug 3, 2001Fee statusPaidPublication number10119619, 119619, US 6802654 B1, US 6802654B1, US-B1-6802654, US6802654 B1, US6802654B1InventorsBruce C. Roberts, Stephen A. Gee, William P. Mazotti, Luu T. Nguyen, Jia Liu, Peter Deane, Ken PhamOriginal AssigneeNational Semiconductor CorporationExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (2), Non-Patent Citations (8), Referenced by (20), Classifications (16), Legal Events (6) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetElectrical connector for opto-electronic modules
US 6802654 B1Abstract
The invention comprises a connector apparatus for electrically interconnecting a chip sub-assembly to an optical sub-assembly. The apparatus includes a connector sleeve with a chip sub-assembly having at least one electrical connection arranged thereon. The connector sleeve is suitable for receiving a connector plug that includes an optical fiber optically coupled to the photonic devices of an optical sub-assembly that includes electrical connectors. The connector plug is engaged with the connector sleeve, thereby electrically interconnecting the electrical connections of the chip sub-assembly to the electrical connectors of the optical sub-assembly such that electrical signals can pass between the chip sub-assembly and a photonic device of the optical sub-assembly.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/947,210, entitled “Techniques For Joining An Opto-Electronic Module To A Semiconductor Package,” by Nguyen et al., filed on Sep. 4, 2001;
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/331,339, entitled “Optical Sub-Assembly For Opto-Electronic Modules,” by Mazotti et al., filed on Aug. 3, 2001;
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/331,338, entitled “Ceramic Optical Sub-Assembly For Opto-Electronic Modules”, by Liu et al., filed on Nov. 20, 2001; and to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/331,337, entitled: “Techniques For Attaching Rotated Photonic Devices To An Optical Sub-Assembly In An Optoelectronic Package”, by Nguyen et al., filed on Sep. 24, 2001; the content of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The invention described herein relates generally to opto-electric connectors.
Due to increasing need for bandwidth, modem computer and communication networks are placing increasing reliance on optical signal transmission through fiber optic cabling. Fiber optic cabling is very efficient for transferring data as light signals. Unfortunately, there is still no efficient way to “store” or “process” light signals representative of data. Thus, current technologies still require the conversion of optical signals into electronic signals prior to processing by various electronic devices and components. Therefore, networks will likely continue using fiber optics for transmitting data between nodes and silicon chips to process the data within the nodes for the foreseeable future.
Reflow temperatures can pose certain problems during the fabrication of optical components. To improve optical performance, lenses are commonly mounted on the photonic devices during manufacture. Such lenses are commonly constructed of plastics or other related materials. Such materials can become deformed at relatively low temperatures. During reflow processes (such as lead reflow processes used in leadless lead frame connection processes), lenses and other optical components can become damaged. This will become more of a problem as the industry moves away from lead processes (for environmental and other reasons, there is an increasing use of so-called “lead-less” processing) to other materials such as copper, tin, or other materials that require even higher process temperatures. Thus, developing a structure where the photonic devices and lenses are not subjected to these high temperatures is attractive.
Embodiments of the present invention include a variety of arrangements for electrically connecting a chip sub-assembly to electrical connections of photonic devices arranged on a separate optical sub-assembly.
FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are section views of a simplified embodiment for a “top entry” connector sleeve and connector plug in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
The present invention is described with reference to a few embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known operations have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
FIG. 3(a) is a simplified illustration of one embodiment of the invention. In the depicted embodiment, an apparatus for electrically interconnecting a chip sub-assembly (CSA) to photonic devices of an optical sub-assembly is shown. A CSA 301 can be formed of a variety of semiconductor chip packages that have electrical connection pathways for electrically connecting to photonic devices of optical sub-assemblies. For instance, the CSA 301 can be a leadless leadframe package (LLP) that has up-linking contact surfaces 304 (also referred to herein as electrical connections) that are exposed through the top surface of the LLP. In one implementation, the CSA 301 is mounted to a circuit board (not shown). The details of a suitable CSA formed from an LLP are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/922,357, entitled “Optoelectronic Package with Dam Structure to Provide Fiber Standoff” which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The connector plug 310 includes an optical sub-assembly (OSA) comprising a support 311 having photonic devices 312 formed thereon. The support 311 further includes electrical connectors 313 that are electrically connected to the photonic devices 312. Optical fibers 317 are held by a ferrule 316. A wide range of electrical connectors 313 can be used to electrically connect to the photonic devices 312. Examples include, but are not limited to, simple metal contacts (e.g., solder balls and the like), spring loaded conducting pins (e.g., “pogo pins” (a trademark of Everett Charles Technologies)) or other electrical connectors. The optical fibers 317 are optically coupled with the photonic devices 312. Although not necessary to practice the invention, the OSA and ferrule can be mounted in a plug housing 315 that can facilitate the optical alignment of the fibers 317 with the photonic devices 312 and/or protect the optical components contained within. The OSA is electrically coupled to the CSA 301 by mechanically engaging the connector plug 310 with the connector sleeve 305 (as indicated by the arrow).
FIG. 4(b) is another embodiment of a backing block 431. The depicted embodiment 431 is L-shaped rather than the previously depicted “cubical” configurations. The contact pads 432 and their associated conduction pathways are also shown. The contact pads 432 of this embodiment include alignment openings 434 which penetrate into the backing block 431. The alignment openings 434 are configured to receive electrical contact pins positioned on the connector plug. Thus, as the connector plug is engaged with the connector sleeve, the contact pins serve as both electrical connectors and as alignment aids that assist in the alignment and electrical connection of the CSA 401 with the connector plug. One of the advantages of embodiments like those in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) (and elsewhere in the specification) is that the CSA and backing block contain no fragile optical components. Thus reflow processes can safely be used to manufacture these components and affix such components to circuit boards without damaging delicate lenses or other fragile optical components.
FIG. 5(c) is a section view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5(b), as taken across line A-A′. Wire bonding connections 515 are shown connecting the conductive bonding pads 513 of the substrate 504′ to the bonding pads 514 of the support 501′. Also shown is the die attach pad interconnection 520 between the bottom on the substrate 504′ and the top of the support 501′. The photonic device 511 is electrically connected to the die attach pad interconnection 520 through the back side of the substrate 504′. A via 522 is shown in the support 501′ for electrically connecting the die attach pad interconnection 520 to an underlying electrical connector 506′. In one example, electrical connector 506′ corresponds to a cathode for the photonic device 511. The support 501′ can include another via 523 for electrically connecting the bonding pad 514 to an underlying electrical connector 506″. In one example, electrical connector 506″ corresponds to an anode for the photonic device 511. The electrical connectors 506′ and 506″ can be formed of a wide range of electrical connectors including, but not limited to, solder balls, conductive pins, “pogo pins”, and many others. It will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of electrical interconnection methods and techniques can be used to establish electrical connections between the various electrical components and particularly between the photonic devices and the electrical connectors.
FIG. 6(c) depicts a portion of the sleeve 605′ and the plug (indicated here by a portion of the support 611′) as they are being engaged. The electrical connectors 618 contact an inclined surface 620 of the sleeve 605′ as the connector plug 610 is fitted into the sleeve 605′. The inclined surface 620 gently pushes the electrical connectors 618′ upward during insertion, thereby preventing the electrical connectors 618′ from being sheared off during insertion. Although the electrical connectors 618′ are depicted here as retractable spring-loaded electrical contact pins (e.g., “pogo pins”), the inclined surface 618′ can be used with most types of electrical connectors. In particular, solder balls can form the electrical connectors of the plug and corresponding small depressions or holes can be located in the CSA. The small depressions or holes include electrically conducting springs that contact the solder balls to form electrical connections when in correct alignment. Alternatively, the solder balls can be formed on the CSA and the small depressions or holes with conducting springs can be formed on the plug.
The present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments and specific features thereof. However, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to describe the principles of the invention, not limit its scope. Therefore, as is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, various changes and modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. In particular, embodiments including various latching and locking mechanisms for securing the connector plug to the connector sleeve are specifically contemplated. Additionally, the inventors contemplate a wide range of alignment features for insuring that satisfactory electrical connections are made between the connector plug and connector sleeve. Such alignment features can include, but are not limited to pin and hole alignment features, tab and groove alignment features, and other related embodiments. Also, the photonic devices of the embodiments can refer to one or many photonic devices including arrays of photonic devices. The same can be said for the optical elements and electrical connectors which can also be arranged in arrays. Other embodiments and variations to the depicted embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further, reference in the claims to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly stated, but rather, “one or more”.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6364542May 9, 2000Apr 2, 2002National Semiconductor CorporationDevice and method for providing a true semiconductor die to external fiber optic cable connectionUS6497518 *Nov 14, 2000Dec 24, 2002National Semiconductor CorporationMiniature opto-electronic transceiver* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1U.S. patent application No. 09/568,558 by Nguyen et al., entitled "An Arrayable, Scaleable, and Stackable Molded Package Configuration", filed May 9, 2000.2U.S. patent application No. 09/713,367 by Deane, entitled "Miniature Opto-Electric Transceiver", filed Nov. 14, 2000.3U.S. patent application No. 09/922,357 by Nguyen et al., entitled "Optoelectronic Package with Dam Structure to Provide Fiber Standoff", filed Aug. 3, 2001.4U.S. patent application No. 09/922,358 by Nguyen et al., entitled "Miniature Semiconductor Package for Opto-electronic Devices", filed Aug. 3, 2001.5U.S. patent application No. 09/947,210 by Nguyen et al., entitled "Techniques for Joining an Opto-electronic Module to a Semiconductor Package", filed Sep. 4, 2001.6U.S. patent application No. 10/165,548 by Nguyen et al., entitled "Techniques for Attaching Rotated Photonic Devices to an Optical Sub-assembly in an Optoelectronic Package", filed Jun. 6, 2002.7U.S. patent application No. 10/165,553 by Mazotti et al., entitled "Optical Sub-assembly for Optoelectronic Modules", filed Jun. 6, 2002.8U.S. patent application No. 10/165,711 by Liu et al., entitled "Ceramic Optical Sub-assembly for Optoelectronic Modules", filed Jun. 6, 2002.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7440865 *Feb 3, 2004Oct 21, 2008Finisar CorporationScreening optical transceiver modules for electrostatic discharge damageUS7502564Feb 27, 2007Mar 10, 2009Finisar CorporationIntegrated memory mapped controller circuit for fiber optics transceiverUS7529488 *Mar 30, 2005May 5, 2009Finisar CorporationOptical transceiver module with onboard diagnostics accessible via pinsUS7581892 *Apr 3, 2007Sep 1, 2009Fujitsu Component LimitedOptical connector module and electric connector moduleUS8086100Mar 9, 2009Dec 27, 2011Finisar CorporationOptoelectronic transceiver with digital diagnosticsUS8159956Jul 1, 2008Apr 17, 2012Finisar CorporationDiagnostics for serial communication bussesUS8406142Apr 17, 2012Mar 26, 2013Finisar CorporationDiagnostics for a serial communications deviceUS8515284Dec 23, 2011Aug 20, 2013Finisar CorporationOptoelectronic transceiver with multiple flag values for a respective operating conditionUS8721190 *Mar 31, 2011May 13, 2014Japan Aviation Electronics Industry LimitedOptoelectrical connectorUS8849123Jul 22, 2013Sep 30, 2014Finisar CorporationMethod of monitoring an optoelectronic transceiver with multiple flag values for a respective operating conditionUS9176288 *Sep 10, 2014Nov 3, 2015Corning Optical Communications LLCOptical plug connector having an optical body with a lens on a reflective surfaceUS9184850Sep 24, 2014Nov 10, 2015Finisar CorporationMethod of monitoring an optoelectronic transceiver with multiple flag values for a respective operating conditionUS9577759Nov 9, 2015Feb 21, 2017Finisar CorporationMethod of monitoring an optoelectronic transceiver with multiple flag values for a respective operating conditionUS20040197101 *Apr 8, 2004Oct 7, 2004Sasser Gary D.Optical transceiver module with host accessible on-board diagnosticsUS20050124224 *Nov 3, 2004Jun 9, 2005Nikolaus SchunkAdapter for connecting an optoelectronic transducer module to a printed circuit board, transmitting and/or receiving arrangement with such an adapter, optoelectronic transducer module and method for its productionUS20050196111 *Mar 30, 2005Sep 8, 2005Burdick Stephan C.Optical transceiver module with onboard diagnostics accessible via pinsUS20070140690 *Feb 27, 2007Jun 21, 2007Finisar CorporationIntegrated Memory Mapped Controller Circuit for Fiber Optics TransceiverUS20080013895 *Apr 3, 2007Jan 17, 2008Fujitsu Component LimitedOptical connector module and electric connector moduleUS20110243508 *Mar 31, 2011Oct 6, 2011Japan Aviation Electronics Industry LimitedOptoelectrical ConnectorUS20150078714 *Sep 10, 2014Mar 19, 2015Corning Optical Communications LLCOptical plug connector having an optical body with a lens on a reflective surface* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification385/88, 385/92International ClassificationH05K1/02, H05K1/18, G02B6/42, H05K3/40Cooperative ClassificationG02B6/4284, H05K1/189, H05K1/0219, G02B6/4261, H05K2201/10121, H05K2201/09236, H05K2201/0715, H05K3/403, G02B6/4245European ClassificationH05K1/02C2B2Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 9, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION, CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ROBERTS, BRUCE C.;GEE, STEPHEN A.;MAZOTTI, WILLIAM P.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:012789/0007;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020401 TO 20020403Apr 19, 2005CCCertificate of correctionApr 14, 2008FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Apr 21, 2008REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedApr 12, 2012FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Mar 25, 2016FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 12RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services