JP2001108872A - Light emitting module and light receiving module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light emitting module small in size and hardly causing malfunctions. SOLUTION: This light emitting module 10 is constituted by mounting, on a metallic base 12, a platform 14 on which an optical fiber array 16 and a semiconductor laser array 18 which are optically coupled with each other are mounted, an LSI 20 in which a driving circuit for the semiconductor laser array 18 is incorporated, a wiring board 22 provided with printed wirings for controlling the LSI 20 from outside and the like, and covering the top with a nearly flat plate type lid part 24.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light emitting module and a light receiving module, and more particularly to a light emitting module and a light receiving module suitably used for optical parallel data transmission.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Along with the progress of optical communication technology, a light emitting module in which a light emitting element and a driving circuit of the light emitting element are housed and integrated in a housing, or a light receiving element and a circuit for amplifying a received signal are provided in the housing. A light receiving module that is housed and integrated has been widely used.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-136767 discloses a transceiver type in which a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a circuit board (drive circuit, amplifying circuit) are housed in a housing made of polyphenylene sulfide resin. An optical module is disclosed. Such optical modules include 2
Two sleeves are provided, and by inserting a connector plug provided at the end of an optical fiber constituting the optical transmission line into the sleeve, optical coupling between the light emitting element or the light receiving element and the optical transmission path is realized.

As described above, by housing the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the circuit board in the housing to form a module, it is possible to reduce the size and ease of handling of the optical component.

[0005]

However, with the recent increase in speed and capacity of optical communication, the need for optical parallel data transmission has increased. In such a case, if a sleeve is provided for each light-emitting element or light-receiving element to realize optical coupling with an optical transmission line as in the above-described related art, there is a problem that the size of the optical module cannot be sufficiently reduced. In addition, in order to realize optical parallel data transmission, it is necessary to provide a plurality of light emitting elements or light receiving elements in the light emitting module or the light receiving module. However, as the number of light emitting elements and light receiving elements increases, the light emitting element, the light receiving element, or There is also a problem that heat generated from the driving circuit, the amplification circuit, and the like becomes excessive, causing malfunction and noise.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a light emitting module and a light receiving module which can solve the above-mentioned problems, can be configured in a small size, and have less malfunction and noise.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a light-emitting module according to the present invention is configured by arranging a plurality of light-emitting elements, and emits light from each of the plurality of light-emitting elements in a substantially constant direction. A light emitting element array and a plurality of optical fibers arranged substantially in parallel, an optical fiber for emitting light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting elements from one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers and emitting the light from the other end An array, a driving circuit for driving the light emitting element array,
A metal base is provided, and the light emitting element array, the optical fiber array, and the drive circuit are mounted on the base.

By providing the light emitting element array and the optical fiber array, it is possible to reduce the size of the light emitting portion of the light emitting module that emits signal light and the interface portion with the external optical transmission line. Also, by mounting the light emitting element array, the optical fiber array, and the driving circuit on a metal base, the light emitting element array, the optical fiber array,
Heat generated from the driving circuit can be effectively released through the base.

The light emitting module of the present invention further comprises a positioning plate having a light emitting element array mounting area for mounting the light emitting element array and an optical fiber array mounting area for mounting the optical fiber array. Is mounted on the base, and each of the light emitting element array and the optical fiber array is mounted on each of the light emitting element array mounting area and the optical fiber array mounting area of the positioning plate. It may be characterized in that it is mounted on the base via a positioning plate.

The provision of the positioning plate facilitates the positioning of the light emitting element array and the optical fiber array.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light-receiving module comprising a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged and outputting an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light received by each of the plurality of light-receiving elements. An array and an optical fiber array configured by arranging a plurality of optical fibers in a substantially parallel manner, and causing light emitted from one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers and emitted from the other end to be incident on each of the plurality of light receiving elements.
An amplifier circuit for amplifying an electric signal output from the light receiving element array, and a metal base, wherein the light receiving element array, the optical fiber array, and the amplifier circuit are mounted on the base. Features.

The provision of the light-receiving element array and the optical fiber array makes it possible to reduce the size of the light-receiving portion of the light-receiving module for receiving signal light and the interface portion with an external optical transmission line. Also, by mounting the light receiving element array, the optical fiber array, and the amplifier circuit on a metal base, heat generated from the light receiving element array, the optical fiber array, and the amplifier circuit can be effectively released through the base. Can be.

Further, the light receiving module of the present invention further includes a positioning plate having a light receiving element array mounting area for mounting the light receiving element array and an optical fiber array mounting area for mounting the optical fiber array. Is mounted on the base, and each of the light receiving element array and the optical fiber array is mounted on each of the light receiving element array mounting area and the optical fiber array mounting area of the positioning plate. It may be characterized in that it is mounted on the base via a positioning plate.

The provision of the positioning plate facilitates the positioning between the light receiving element array and the optical fiber array.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A light emitting module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the light emitting module according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a light emitting module according to the embodiment,
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light emitting module according to the present embodiment.

Light emitting module 10 according to the present embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a platform 14 (positioning plate), an optical fiber array 1
6. Semiconductor laser array 18 (light emitting element array), LS
An I20 (drive circuit) and a wiring board 22 are mounted, and the upper part thereof is covered by a substantially flat lid 24. Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base 12. The base 12 is made of a metal having a high thermal conductivity such as copper, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a sufficiently large volume as compared with the platform 14, the optical fiber array 16, the semiconductor laser array 18, the LSI 20, and the like. On the upper surface of the base 12 (the surface on which the semiconductor laser array 18 and the like are mounted),
A concave platform mounting area 12a on which the platform 14 is mounted, and a convex LSI mounting the LSI 20
A mounting area 12b and a concave wiring board mounting area 12c for mounting the wiring board 22 are formed. In addition, insertion holes 12d are provided at each of the four corners on the upper surface of the base 12, and by inserting split pins 24a (see FIG. 1) provided at each of the four corners of the lid portion 24 into the insertion holes 12d, The lid portion 24 is fixed to the base 12, and the semiconductor laser array 18 and the like can be packaged. Further, fins 12 e are formed on the lower surface of the base 12 in order to enhance the heat radiation effect of the base 12.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical fiber array 16 as viewed from above, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the optical fiber array 16 as viewed from below. Optical fiber array 16
Are 12 optical fibers 16b of the same length on a substrate 16a.
Are arranged in parallel and at equal intervals, and two pins 16c are provided on both outer sides of the twelve optical fibers 16b.
It is configured to be arranged in parallel with b. More specifically,
On the substrate 16a, twelve optical fiber insertion V-grooves extending from one side surface to the other side surface opposite thereto are formed in parallel and at equal intervals.
Each is inserted into and bonded to the optical fiber insertion V-groove. Here, the optical fiber 16b and the optical fiber insertion V-groove have the same length, and the optical fiber 16b is arranged such that both ends thereof are aligned with both side surfaces of the substrate 16a. Further, two pin insertion grooves are formed on the substrate 16a so as to sandwich the optical fiber insertion V groove, and each of the two pins 16c is inserted into the pin insertion groove. Here, the pin 16c is longer than the pin insertion groove,
The pin 16c is arranged such that one end protrudes from the side surface of the substrate 16a. A glass plate having an opening at the center is placed on the upper part of the optical fiber 16b.

The semiconductor laser array 18 is configured by arranging twelve light emitting units (light emitting elements). In addition, the semiconductor laser array 18 can emit light from each of the twelve light emitting units in a substantially constant direction.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the platform 14. The platform 14 is made of silicon and has a substantially flat plate shape. On one main surface of the platform 14, an optical fiber array mounting area 14a on which the optical fiber array 16 is mounted, and a semiconductor laser array 18
Are formed, and a linear groove portion 14c that partitions the optical fiber array mounting region 14a and the semiconductor laser array mounting region 14b is formed. In the optical fiber array mounting area 14a, grooves 14d and 14 for placing the optical fibers 16b and two pins 16c, respectively, constituting the optical fiber array 16 are provided.
e is formed perpendicular to the groove 14c. Therefore,
The optical fiber array 16 is mounted on the platform 14 so that the optical fiber 16b and the two pins 16c are arranged in the grooves 14d and 14e.
By mounting the semiconductor laser array 18 such that the emission surface is arranged along the edge of the optical fiber array 1
Positioning between the semiconductor laser array 18 and the semiconductor laser array 18 is performed, and light emitted from each of the twelve light-emitting portions of the semiconductor laser array 18 is made incident from one end of each of the twelve optical fibers 16b and emitted from the other end. Will be able to Also, the platform 14 is
Is mounted in the platform mounting area 12a.
Therefore, the optical fiber array 16 and the semiconductor laser array 1
8 will be mounted on the base 12 via the platform 14.

The LSI 20 has a built-in drive circuit for driving the semiconductor laser array 18. Here, the LSI 20
The plurality of light emitting units of the semiconductor laser array 18 are connected to each other by a printed wiring 14f provided on the platform 14. Therefore, it is possible to independently control turning on and off of each of the plurality of light emitting units of the semiconductor laser array 18 by the drive signal from the LSI 20. Further, the LSI 20 has the LS of the base 12.
It is mounted in the I mounting area 12b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the wiring board 22 has a structure in which a plurality of pins 22c are provided around a board 22b on which a printed wiring 22a is provided. Here, the pin 22
The LSI 20 is electrically connected to the LSI 20 via the printed wiring 22a, so that the LSI 20 can be externally controlled.

In the light emitting module 10, the platform 14 and the optical fiber array 16 overlap to form an MT connector, and an optical interface with an external optical transmission line is performed via the MT connector.

Next, the operation and effects of the light emitting module according to the present embodiment will be described. The light emitting module 10 according to the present embodiment includes the semiconductor laser array 18 and the optical fiber array 16 so that the light emitting portion of the light emitting module 10 that emits signal light and the interface portion with the external optical transmission line can be reduced in size. Can be configured. As a result, the entire light emitting module 10 can be made compact.

The light emitting module 10 according to the present embodiment comprises a semiconductor laser array 18 and an optical fiber array 1.
By mounting the LSI 6 and the LSI 20 on the metal base 12, heat generated from the semiconductor laser array 18, the optical fiber array 16, and the LSI 20 is transferred through the base 12 as compared with the case where a resin base is used. It can be released effectively. As a result, the semiconductor laser array 18, LS
Malfunction due to heating such as I20 is prevented. In addition, since the heat generated from the semiconductor laser array 18, the optical fiber array 16, and the LSI 20 can be effectively released, the light emitting portion of the semiconductor laser array 18 or the optical fibers 16b of the optical fiber array 16 must be arranged at a high density. Is possible, and the light emitting module 10 is further downsized.

Further, the light emitting module 10 according to the present embodiment includes a platform 14 on which a semiconductor laser array 18 and an optical fiber array 16 are mounted. By mounting the platform 14 on the base 12, the semiconductor laser array 18 As compared with the case where the optical fiber array 16 and the optical fiber array 16 are directly arranged on the base 12, the positioning of the semiconductor laser array 18 and the optical fiber array 16 becomes easier. As a result, the positioning accuracy between the semiconductor laser array 18 and the optical fiber array 16 is improved, and the optical coupling efficiency between the semiconductor laser array 18 and the optical fiber array 16 is improved.

Although the light emitting module according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the light receiving module can be configured in almost the same manner. That is, the semiconductor laser module 18 described in FIG. 1 is configured by arranging twelve light receiving parts (light receiving elements), and a photodiode array that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light received by each of the twelve light receiving parts. (Light receiving element array), and by incorporating an amplifier circuit for amplifying the electric signal output from the photodiode array in the LSI 20,
A light receiving module is configured. In such a light receiving module, light that enters from one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers 16b that form the optical fiber array 16 and exits from the other end enters each of the light receiving units that form the photodiode array.

Such a light receiving module includes a photodiode array and an optical fiber array 16 so that a light receiving portion of the light receiving module for receiving signal light,
In addition, the interface portion with the external optical transmission line can be configured to be small, and as a result, the entire light receiving module can be configured to be small. Further, in such a light receiving module, by mounting the photodiode array, the optical fiber array 16 and the LSI 20 on the metal base 12, heat generated from the photodiode array, the optical fiber array 16 and the LSI 20 is transferred to the base 12. , And as a result, generation of noise due to heating of the photodiode array, the optical fiber array 16, the LSI 20, and the like is prevented. The photodiode array, the optical fiber array 16 and the LSI
Since the heat generated from the light emitting module 20 can be effectively released, the light receiving portion of the photodiode array or the optical fibers 16b of the optical fiber array 16 can be arranged at high density, and the light receiving module 10 can be further miniaturized. I do. Further, such a light receiving module includes a platform 14 on which a photodiode array and an optical fiber array 16 are mounted.
By mounting the base 4 on the base 12, the positioning between the photodiode array and the optical fiber array 16 becomes easy. As a result, the positioning accuracy between the photodiode array and the optical fiber array 16 is improved, and the efficiency of optical coupling between the photodiode array and the optical fiber array 16 is improved.

[0029]

According to the light emitting module of the present invention, the light emitting element array and the optical fiber array are provided, so that the light emitting portion for emitting signal light and the interface portion with the external optical transmission line in the light emitting module can be reduced in size. The light emitting module can be configured to be small in size. Also, by mounting the light emitting element array, optical fiber array and drive circuit on a metal base,
The heat generated from the light emitting element array, the optical fiber array, and the driving circuit can be effectively released through the base,
As a result, malfunctions due to heating of the light emitting element array, the driving circuit, and the like are prevented.

Further, in the light emitting module of the present invention, by providing the positioning plate, the positioning of the light emitting element array and the optical fiber array becomes easy, and as a result, the optical coupling efficiency between the light emitting element array and the optical fiber array is improved. improves.

Further, the light receiving module of the present invention includes the light receiving element array and the optical fiber array, so that the light receiving portion for receiving the signal light and the interface portion with the external optical transmission line in the light receiving module can be reduced in size. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire light receiving module. Also, by mounting the light receiving element array, the optical fiber array, and the amplifier circuit on a metal base, heat generated from the light receiving element array, the optical fiber array, and the amplifier circuit can be effectively released through the base. As a result, generation of noise due to heating of the light receiving element array, the optical fiber array, the amplifier circuit, and the like is prevented.

Further, in the light receiving module of the present invention, the positioning plate is provided to facilitate the positioning of the light receiving element array and the optical fiber array. As a result, the optical coupling efficiency between the light receiving element array and the optical fiber array is improved. improves.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a light emitting module.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a light emitting module.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an optical fiber array.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an optical fiber array.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a platform.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wiring board.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 light emitting module, 12 base, 14 platform, 16 optical fiber array, 18 semiconductor laser array, 20 LSI, 22 wiring board, 24 lid

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A light emitting element array configured by arranging a plurality of light emitting elements, emitting light in a substantially constant direction from each of the plurality of light emitting elements, and a plurality of optical fibers arranged substantially in parallel. An optical fiber array that causes light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting elements to enter from one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers and emit light from the other end; a driving circuit that drives the light emitting element array; and a metal base. A light emitting module, comprising: the light emitting element array, the optical fiber array, and the drive circuit, mounted on the base. 2. A positioning plate having a light emitting element array mounting area for mounting the light emitting element array and an optical fiber array mounting area for mounting the optical fiber array, wherein the positioning plate is mounted on the base, Each of the light emitting element array and the optical fiber array is mounted on each of the light emitting element array mounting area and the optical fiber array mounting area of the positioning plate. The light emitting module according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting module is mounted. 3. A light receiving element array configured by arranging a plurality of light receiving elements and outputting an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light received by each of the plurality of light receiving elements; and a plurality of optical fibers arranged substantially in parallel. An optical fiber array that causes light incident from one end of each of the plurality of optical fibers and emitted from the other end to enter each of the plurality of light receiving elements; and an amplifier circuit that amplifies an electric signal output from the light receiving element array. And a metal base, wherein the light receiving element array, the optical fiber array, and the amplifier circuit are mounted on the base. 4. A positioning plate having a light receiving element array mounting area for mounting the light receiving element array and an optical fiber array mounting area for mounting the optical fiber array, wherein the positioning plate is mounted on the base, Each of the light receiving element array and the optical fiber array is mounted on each of the light receiving element array mounting area and the optical fiber array mounting area of the positioning plate, so that the light receiving element array and the optical fiber array are mounted on the base via the positioning plate. The light receiving module according to claim 3, wherein the light receiving module is mounted.