Patent ID: 10048457

Abstract:
Electro-optical connectors and connector systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electro-optical plug includes a tip connector, a ring connector, and a sleeve connector, wherein the tip connector, the ring connector, and the sleeve connector are electrically conductive. The electro-optical plug further includes a gradient-index lens co-axially disposed within at least the tip connector, wherein the tip connector has a tip window that optically exposes a coupling surface of the gradient-index lens, and an optical fiber that is co-axially disposed within at least the sleeve connector. In another embodiment, an electro-optical connector includes a plug body having a planar electrical coupling surface with an array of electrically conductive contacts, and an optical coupling surface having at least one optical window. The electro-optical connector further includes a gradient-index lens disposed within the plug body. A coupling surface of the gradient-index lens is optically exposed at the at least one optical window.