Electronic module having an integrated latching mechanism

Details Electronic module having an integrated latching mechanism Electronic module having an integrated latching mechanism

2001-10-04

2002-08-27

Luebke, Renee (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...

Retaining means

C439S638000, C439S076100, C439S157000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06439918

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of electrical connector systems for electrical components. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a latching system that is particularly useful for use with low profile, user-removable, electronic modules that interface with a port of a host device. For example, embodiments of the present invention may find particular use with opto-electronic transceiver modules used to interface a host device with an optical communications network.
2. The Relevant Technology
Fiber optics are increasingly used for transmitting voice and data signals. As a transmission medium, light provides a number of advantages over traditional electrical communication techniques. For example, light signals allow for extremely high transmission rates and very high bandwidth capabilities. Also, light signals are resistant to electro-magnetic interferences that would otherwise interfere with electrical signals. Light also provides a more secure signal because it doesn't allow portions of the signal to escape from the fiber optic cable as can occur with electrical signals in wire-based systems. Light also can be conducted over greater distances without the signal loss typically associated with electrical signals on copper wire.
While optical communications provide a number of advantages, the use of light as a transmission medium presents a number of implementation challenges. In particular, the data carried by light signal must be converted to an electrical format when received by a device, such as a network switch. Conversely, when data is transmitted to the optical network, it must be converted from an electronic signal to a light signal. A number of protocols define the conversion of electrical signals to optical signals and transmission of those optical, including the ANSI Fibre Channel (FC) protocol. The FC protocol is typically implemented using a transceiver module at both ends of a fiber optic cable. Each transceiver module typically contains a laser transmitter circuit capable of converting electrical signals to optical signals, and an optical receiver capable of converting received optical signals back into electrical signals.
Typically, a transceiver module is electrically interfaced with a host device—such as a host computer, switching hub, network router, switch box, computer I/O and the like—via a compatible connection port. Moreover, in some applications it is desirable to miniaturize the physical size of the transceiver module to increase the port density, i.e., and therefore accommodate a higher number of network connections within a given physical space. In addition, in many applications, it is desirable for the module to be hot-pluggable, which permits the module to be inserted and removed from the host system without removing electrical power. To accomplish many of these objectives, international and industry standards have been adopted that define the physical size and shape of optical transceiver modules to insure compatibility between different manufacturers. For example, in 1998, a group of optical manufacturers developed a set of standards for optical transceiver modules called the Small Form-factor Pluggable (“SFP”) Transceiver MultiSource Agreement (“MSA”). In addition to the details of the electrical interface, this standard defines the physical size and shape for the SFP transceiver modules, and the corresponding host port, so as to insure interoperability between different manufacturers' products. The standard also specifies that the module be hot-pluggable. To do so, the standard specifies that a user provide a minimum amount of space between host ports, so that transceiver modules can be individually accessed and removed from the host device without disturbing the adjacent modules and/or cable connections.
While such standards may recommend that there be a minimum distance between adjacent ports, there is often a desire to provide configurations having a higher port density. However, providing a high port density can be at odds with the ability to provide a module that complies with existing standards—i.e., that has a small form-factor and is hot-pluggable. In particular, previously existing module designs present a size and profile that mandates that a specific minimum amount of space be provided between host ports so that individual modules can be accessed and removed without disturbing an adjacent module and/or an adjacent fiber cable. Such modules either cannot be used in a device having a high port density (due to the space requirements), or, if used in such an environment, require the use of a special extraction tool to allow for access and retrieval of a module without disturbing adjacent modules and/or cables. Use of an extraction tool is often not desirable because it raises costs, can be misplaced, and may not be compatible with other module designs.
Therefore, there is a need for a module, such as an optical transceiver module, that utilizes a latching scheme that allows the module to maintain its small form factor and that still complies with existing standards. At the same time, the latching scheme should allow the module to be easily inserted and extracted from a port without the need for a special extraction tool. Moreover, extraction should be possible in a manner that does not disturb the communications link of adjacent modules, i.e., extraction should be achieved without inadvertently removing an adjacent module and/or fiber cable, even in a host having high port density. Such a module would allow host systems to provide a higher packing density, and yet allow the use of small form factor transceiver modules that comply with existing standards,
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
These and other problems in the prior art are addressed by embodiments of the present invention, which relates to an electronic, pluggable module that is equipped with a unique latching mechanism. In an illustrated embodiment, the module is an opto-electronic transceiver module, typically used to interface an optical transmission cable medium to a host device, such as a network switch, hub, router, computer or the like.
In one preferred embodiment, the module is formed as a small form-factor pluggable (“SFP”) device in accordance with existing industry standards. Moreover, the module is capable of being operatively received within a compatible port provided by the host device. It will be appreciated that while preferred embodiments are illustrated and described as an opto-electronic transceiver module, the present invention is not limited to that particular environment. Indeed, teachings of the present invention could also be utilized in any type of pluggable electronic module.
In an exemplary embodiment, the module includes a base portion that supports a printed circuit board (PCB) upon which is disposed the electronics needed for the functionality of the module. In addition, the PCB has an edge connector formed at one end that is capable of electrically interfacing with the host device when the module is operatively received within the device port. Also disposed on one end of the base portion is at least one receptacle capable of physically receiving and interfacing with a corresponding optical fiber connector, which in turn is connected to a fiber optic cable. In a preferred embodiment, an outer housing encloses at least a portion of the base and the PCB to protect the electronic and optical components from dust and the like. Moreover, the housing defines an outer periphery that conforms in size and shape to the corresponding host port. In one preferred embodiment, the size and shape correspond to specifications defined by the MSA standard. Of course, other shapes and sizes could be used.
In illustrated embodiments, the module includes an integrated latching mechanism that provides several preferred functions. In particular, the latch mechanism provides the ability to releasably secure the transceiver module within the host port. Moreover

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Electronic module having an integrated latching mechanism does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Electronic module having an integrated latching mechanism, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electronic module having an integrated latching mechanism will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2968692