JPH08265180A - Transceiver module and receptacle assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a quickly and easily detachable and quickly, easily and inexpensively manufacturable transceiver module and a receptacle assembly for receiving it. SOLUTION: This transceiver module 10 is provided with a main housing 12 composed of a surrounding body 64 to which a surrounding material 62 is inserted. Further, a circuit board 60 is surrounded by the surrounding material 62. On the circuit board, optical sub assemblies 44 and 46 are provided and the optical sub assemblies are passed through a recess and extended to the outer side of the surrounding body. A recess cover is provided so as to form a seal for preventing liquid from leaking between the surrounding body and the optical sub assemblies. A module housing can be connected to a plug through a release lever provided with a movement stopper to be received in the hole of a receptacle and the plug connection connector of the module connected inside the receptacle. The receptacle is provided with a means for grounding like a grounding clip provided in the inside and a protective door for limiting electronic radiation.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to optoelectronic transceiver modules, and more particularly to low cost module manufacturing, small and robust packaging, and mounting and replacement via ribbon type connectors for compatibility and ease of removal. The present invention relates to an optoelectronic transceiver module and a method for manufacturing the same, which is capable of providing electrostatic discharge and which can be attached and replaced through a ribbon-type connector.

[0002]

Optoelectronic transceiver modules provide bidirectional transmission of data between an electrical interface and an optical data link. The module receives an electrically encoded encoded data signal, which is converted to an optical signal and transmitted by the optical data link. Similarly, the module receives the optically encoded encoded data signal, which is converted to an electrical signal and transmitted to the electrical interface.

Generally, a transceiver is attached to one of a host computer, an input / output system, a peripheral, or a circuit card assembly consisting of a switch.
Therefore, like all electrical devices, transceivers are required to have an external packaging design with as little circuit card surface area as possible. Further, the transceiver module is required to have high reliability and durability.
One of the techniques currently used to ensure such reliability and durability is to embed the transceiver electronics in an insulating encapsulation material. Wrapping the electronic components of the transceiver can reduce the sensitivity of vibration and can prevent unauthorized persons from touching the electronic components of the module.

[0004] Today, molding of the wrapping material around the electronic components of a transceiver is done by placing the electronic components in a silicon mold. Any part of the electronic component that projects outside the mold is manually clogged with a silicone compound that provides a liquid seal resistance. Once the mold is sealed, potting material is placed therein. After the encapsulating material has hardened, the silicon mold is stripped from the newly molded module.

There are several drawbacks to the molding process of the prior art described above. For example, it is time consuming and results in depressions in the outer surface of the transceiver module. Further, the silicon mold used in the molding process has a life limit of 3 to 5 modules that can be molded by one mold unless replaced with a new mold.

The optoelectronic module is provided with a plurality of electrical pins for making an electrical connection with a circuit card assembly. Such electrical pins consist of solid wire strands, one end of each of which is connected to the electronic components of the module and the other end of which protrudes from the molding encapsulation material. The portion of each pin that projects from the encapsulating material is placed in a connector that may be soldered or fitted into a plated through-hole provided in the circuit card assembly. However, since the wire pins are thin, they are very easily deformed during general handling and attachment / detachment to / from the circuit car assembly. Therefore, the fragile pins used in the prior art are difficult and time consuming to install in a circuit card assembly because they must be regularly inspected and reassembled. Moreover, such pins can be damaged by the repeated reassembly of them many times.

In addition to the electrical pins, the module is equipped with two mounting ports for mounting itself on the circuit card assembly. The module is placed on the circuit card assembly and its mounting ports are aligned with the holes provided in the circuit card assembly. Once the module is correctly positioned, screws are inserted through the holes in the circuit card assembly and into the mounting ports on the module. Such screws are tightened until the module is firmly secured to the circuit card assembly.

Similarly, when removing a module from a circuit card assembly, the screw must be removed and the wire must be separated from the circuit card assembly or pulled out of the connector, which requires multiple parts. It is a timely and expensive process. In fact, it is common to replace the entire circuit card assembly to change the transceiver module or intermediate interface.

Finally, when the module is affixed to the circuit card assembly, the optical fiber containing the SC dual plug connector is bonded to the module. In general,
The SC dual plug connector has a plastic housing that can be electrostatically charged. Therefore, its connection to the transceiver module can damage the electrical components of the module unless the SC connector is properly grounded.

Those skilled in the art should recognize that the potential for electrostatic discharge damage is not limited to transceiver modules coupled to SC dual connectors. Other optoelectronic modules, such as Gigabolink modules (GLM)
Are susceptible to damage from electrostatic discharge whenever they are coupled to a connector containing optical fibers. Therefore, the transceiver module consists of a small and robust package, has a low manufacturing cost, and can be easily and quickly attached to and removed from the circuit card assembly in the place where electrostatic discharge occurs, and also easily and quickly. It is required to be able to be installed and removed from the circuit card assembly. The present invention relates to such a device.

Similarly, it is necessary to prevent electrostatically charged fiber optic connectors from damaging the electrical components within the optoelectronic module.

[0012]

In view of the above points, it is an object of the present invention to provide a small transceiver module package. Another object of the present invention is to provide a module package that is strong and prevents tampering.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a module which can be quickly attached to and detached from a circuit card assembly. Another object of the present invention is to provide a module package that can be produced quickly and easily. A further object of the present invention is to provide a module package that can be manufactured at low cost.

A further object of the present invention is to pre-ground the plug connector to prevent the electrostatically charged connector from damaging the electrical circuitry of the optoelectronic module. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a module with a coating that dissipates electrostatic discharge and acts as an electromagnetic field.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a module that can be easily and quickly connected to and removed from the housing. Another object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle for receiving a module having grounding means.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle provided with means for preventing leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the receptacle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a replaceable transceiver module to provide electrical or fiber optic connections.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form of the invention, a robust optoelectronic transceiver module is provided, which is quick, easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Such a transceiver module has a main housing consisting of an enclosure box as an enclosure, which is filled with an enclosure material. Further, the circuit board is covered by the enclosing material.

The present invention further provides an optical subassembly mounted on a circuit board. Further, the enclosure box has a recess that allows the optical subassembly to project outside the enclosure box. Further, a recess cover may be provided to form a liquid tight seal that prevents liquid leakage between the enclosure box and the optical subassembly.

The optoelectronic transceiver module may also have a ribbon connector mounted on the circuit board and protruding from the main housing. Such a ribbon connector projects from the bottom or one side of the main housing. Further, the ribbon connector may comprise a male ribbon connector or a resilient male ribbon connector.

In another form of the invention, the provided optoelectronic transceiver module is provided on a circuit card assembly. Such a module has a main housing with a bottom. Protruding from the bottom of the main housing is a ribbon-type connector that allows quick module installation and removal from the circuit card assembly.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method of assembling an optoelectronic transceiver module is provided.
The steps of such a method consist of placing a circuit board inside a potting box and loading a potting material inside the box. Further, the circuit board may be attached after it is positioned inside the enclosure box. further,
After the circuit board is positioned inside the enclosure, a liquid cover prevents liquid leakage.
s cover) may be attached to the recessed portion of the enclosure box.

The manufacturing method also includes the step of covering the enclosure box with a conductive metal before the circuit board is placed inside the enclosure box or after the enclosure material is loaded into the enclosure box. In a further aspect of the invention, the provided method of assembling an optoelectronic transceiver is
The steps include fixing the circuit board inside the housing and applying a conductive metal coating on the housing.

In a further form of the invention, an enclosure box is provided for enclosing the optoelectronic component containing the optical subassembly. Such an enclosure box has a wall with a recess that allows the optical subassembly to extend outside the enclosure box. Further, a recess cover is provided to form a seal that prevents liquid leakage between it, the enclosure box and the optical subassembly. Furthermore, the present invention provides an enclosure box having a column (standoff column) for mounting a circuit board inside the enclosure box and an alignment guide that engages with a groove of the recess cover.

In a further form of the invention, the housing provided includes a release lever having a stop for mating with an aperture in the receiving receptacle. The release lever includes a first end integrally formed with the housing and a second end protruding outward from the housing having a grip portion.
It has an end portion and an intermediate portion interposed between both end portions,
The intermediate portion has a stop protruding vertically from its surface. The transceiver housing includes a first end and a second end. Located at the first end of the housing is a transceiver connector for receiving a fiber optic plug. At the second end of the housing is a pluggable connector.

In another aspect of the invention, a provided transceiver module and receptacle assembly includes a transceiver module housing having a first end and a second end, and a latching mounted adjacent the first end. Means (latch means), a plug connector located at the second end, and grounding means connected to the receptacle. The receptacle housing defines a chamber, and the grounding means of the receptacle includes a grounding tab that projects into the interior of such chamber. The ground tab is attached to an arm formed on the receptacle housing. The receptacle housing has a first end and a protective door is provided at the first end. Such a door is hingedly attached adjacent the top surface of the receptacle housing. The transceiver module housing includes a metallized ground that contacts the grounding means of the transceiver receptacle,
As a result, the transceiver module is grounded to the receptacle. The outer surface of the transceiver module is metallized so that when it is inserted inside the receptacle, the metallized transceiver module housing contacts the grounding tab that protrudes into the receptacle chamber, which in turn causes the transceiver module to ground to the receptacle. (Grounded). The latching means includes a release lever attached to the side of the transceiver module housing for latching to the inner surface of the receptacle. The transceiver connector is attached to the first end of the transceiver module housing. Such transceiver connectors are
Includes fiber optic or electrical plug receptacles. The transceiver module includes an optoelectronic subassembly for an optical media interface or an electronic subassembly for an electrical media interface.

In a further aspect of the invention, a provided transceiver module receptacle includes a receptacle housing having a first end and a second end, a module receiving opening located at the first end and a second end. And an electrical connector located therein. The first end includes a hinged door. The door includes a post protruding from the edge for attachment to the housing. Spring means are attached to the door post. The receptacle housing includes an internal chamber (internal chamber) having a wall defining the chamber. A ground surface projects from the wall to contact the ground means of the transceiver module. Such a ground surface is formed within the wall of the housing. Also, the ground surface is
Included is a post protruding through the bottom surface of the receptacle housing for attaching the receptacle to the motherboard.

In another aspect of the invention, a transceiver module is provided that includes a transceiver module housing having a first end and a second end, latching means mounted adjacent the first end, and And a plug connecting connector located at two ends. The transceiver module includes a transceiver connector at the first end.

The transceiver connector includes a module port for receiving various media transducers. The media transducer includes a fiber optic plug receptacle and an optoelectronic subassembly,
Alternatively, it has an electrical plug receptacle and an electrical subassembly. The plug connector has a D-shaped shroud surrounding a circuit board projecting transversely from the second end and having electrical contacts attached thereto. In addition, the plug connector has ground contacts that are juxtaposed and spaced apart from each other at a position adjacent to the electrical contacts.

In a further form of the invention, the optoelectronic module is mounted in a grounded structure, such as a computer chassis. The optoelectronic module consists of a conductive latch that is conductively connected to a structure that forms an electrical connection with a ground structure. The optoelectronic transceiver module may also have a transceiver connector attached, which is electrically conductively connected to the latch. Additionally, a ground clip can be attached to the transceiver connector. Such ground clips can have at least one tab extending therefrom.

Therefore, the optoelectronic module may use at least one tab for electrically connecting the latch to a grounded structure. Further features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and
It will be apparent from such detailed description and drawings. These and other features of the present invention are described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below.

[0031]

1 is a block diagram of an optoelectronic transceiver module 10 according to the present invention.
Is shown in perspective view. The module 10 has a main housing in the shape of a substantially rectangular box. The main housing 12 has a substantially rectangular top 14 with a vertically extending first end 16 and an opposite second end 18. First of the main housing 12
Attached to end 16 is a transceiver connector 20 for receiving a fiber optic plug. In FIG. 2A, a front view of the optoelectronic transceiver module is shown. Transceiver connector 20
The main housing 12 with the two screws 22, 24
Is attached to the first end 16 of the. These two screws 22 and 24 are used to attach the ear 2 of the transceiver connector.
6 and 28, and extends into the main housing 12. Extending vertically from the mounting ears 26, 28 is a connector shell 30 having a substantially rectangular shape.
The connector shell 30 provides two receptacles 32, 34 for receiving fiber optic connector plugs. The receptacles 32 and 34 are formed by the connector shell 30 along the separation wall 36 extending at the center thereof. Further, each receptacle 32, 3
Positioned within the bottom 38 of 4 is a keying groove 40 extending towards the first end 16 of the main housing,
42.

In the preferred embodiment, the connector shell 3
The zero receptacles 32, 34 are sized to accept SC double plugs. Therefore, S
When the C-plug is inserted, the receptacle 32 accepts only the plug for transmission data and the receptacle 34 accepts only the plug for reception data.
Guaranteed by 0,42.

Extending from the main housing 12 into each of the receptacles 32, 34 is an optical subassembly 4.
4,46. As previously mentioned, the optical subassembly 44 is for transmitting signals over the data link and the optical subassembly 46 is for receiving signals over the data link. Transceiver 1
Each optical subassembly has a ferrule receiving portion 4 for facilitating connection between the O and the data link.
It has 8,50. The ferrule receiving section 4
8, 50 are connected to the SC plug. In addition, the transceiver latch members 52, 54, 56 and 58 firmly hold the SC plug in contact with the connector 20.

The actual transmission and reception of the optically encoded data is accomplished by a laser diode in optical subassembly 44 and a photodiode in optical subassembly 46. Both the laser diode and the photodiode are electrically connected to a circuit board mounted in the main housing 12. In FIG. 1, a part of the circuit board 60 is shown. Installed on the circuit board 60 is a circuit structure (not shown) for transmitting and receiving the optical encoded data. The circuit board 60 is
It is covered by an enclosing material 62 and an enclosing box 64 forming the main housing 12. The wrapping material 62 covers the circuit board 60 such that only the male ribbon connector 66 of the circuit board extends from the wrapping material 62.

A perspective view of the bottom 68 of the transceiver module 10 is shown in FIG. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom 68 has two mounting ports 70, 70 adjacent the first end 16 of the main housing 12. Further, a male ribbon connector 66 projects vertically from the bottom 68 and is adjacent to the second end 18 of the main housing 12.

In another embodiment, ribbon connector 66.
May project vertically from the second end 18 of the module 10 so that it can be connected to the circuit card assembly in a direction parallel to the direction of inserting the fiber optic plug into the module's receptacle. However, in this embodiment, a separate recess cover is required to prevent the wrapping material from leaking through the second end of the wrapping box.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the enclosure box 64 of the optoelectronic module. Such an enclosure box (enclosure) 64 forms the outer housing of the optoelectronic module. Therefore, this enclosure box is generally
It has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a rectangular bottom 72, two parallel side walls 74, 74, a first end wall 76 and an opposite second end wall 78. In the preferred embodiment, the enclosure box 6
4 is Barox (VALOX), Stanyl (STA)
Injection molding using a polymer material such as NYL) or another glass-filled refractory material that can withstand the solder reflow temperature. By using a bounding box like this,
The need for silicon molds required in conventional modules is eliminated.

Further, the enclosure box 64, which includes the latch members 52, 54, 56 and 58, is plated or wet plated, or vacuum metallized with an aluminum or stainless steel coating to dissipate electrostatic discharge and provide an electromagnetic shield. (Metal coating) is preferable. Similarly, transceiver connector 20 (see FIG. 1) may also be plated or wet plated to reduce emitted electrons (emissions) and enhance groundability of the module.
Alternatively it can be vacuum metallized. Such metallization of the connector 20 allows the module to comply with Part 2 of the FCC Rules. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 20 is metallized separately from the enclosure box so that each attachment is metallized and electrical conductivity between the parts is provided. When the connector 20 is attached to the chassis that includes the optical fiber connector in the ground potential state, the connector 20 is attached to the sub board.
The metallized enclosure box 64 attached to the hter board is grounded. Such grounding enhances the ability of the module to dissipate electrostatic discharges and provide an electromagnetic shield. The transceiver connector 20 also has a grounding grip 25 mounted in the slot 23.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the transceiver connector 20 has a grounding clip 25 mounted in a slot 23 of the connector 20. The ground clip 25 acts as a means for making an electrical connection to an external ground structure such as a computer chassis. Correspondingly, the ground clip 25 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel, and the connector 2
It has two tabs 27, 29 projecting from each side of the 0. The tabs 27 and 29 have a substantially rectangular shape, and only one side of each of them is connected to the ground clip 25. Correspondingly, each tab 27, 29 has a distal end 27 ', 29' projecting from the connector 20.

In the preferred embodiment, the connector 20 is first metallized and then the ground clip 25 is removed to maintain an electrical path between the ground clip 25 and the connector 20. In FIG. 2 (b), an external front view of the grounded computer chassis 310 is shown, with the connector 20 of the optoelectronic transceiver module 10 extending through the connector port 312 and into the computer chassis. As is generally known in the art, computer chassis 310 is typically formed of a conductive metal material and is connected (ie, grounded) to ground potential by known means. In addition, the chassis is provided with connector ports 312 for each optoelectronic transceiver module provided therein.
(Only one connector port and one transceiver module are shown in FIG. 2B.) This connector port 312 comprises an opening sized to allow the transceiver module connector 20 to pass therethrough. There is. Therefore, the transceiver module 10 can be mounted inside the computer chassis 310 with the connector 20 projecting outward and is easily accessible from outside the chassis.

Correspondingly, when the transceiver module connector 20 is positioned within the connector port 312, the tabs 27, 29 push the sides 314, 316 of the connector port. As a result, the tabs 27 and 29 are electrically connected to the computer chassis, so that the transceiver module connector 20 is grounded. In addition, the transceiver module connector 20 is conductively attached to the enclosure box as previously described, which results in a metallized latch member 52, 54, 56, 5.
The entire metallized enclosure box, including 8, will be grounded.

Correspondingly, the means for pre-grounding the SC connector includes grounded latch members 52, 54.56.
Provided by 58. For example, when the SC connector is attached to the transceiver module 10, the housing of the SC connector is first latched by the latch members 52, 54, 56,
One of the 58 will be contacted. Thus, any electrostatic charge on the SC connector will be removed by the latching member via the conductive path from the enclosure box to the transceiver connector, the corresponding ground clip, and the computer chassis to ground via tab 27. .

As already indicated, all of the transceiver latch members 52, 54, 56, 58 extend from the first wall 76 of the enclosure. Also the first of the siege box
The end wall 76 provides mounting ports 70,70 located at the bottom of the main housing. In the preferred embodiment, the latch members 52, 54, 56, 58 are integrally molded with the enclosure box 64.

Posts 80 for the circuit board are also provided by the enclosure box 64. (Only one of which is shown in FIG. 4.) Each strut projects from the bottom 72 of the enclosure box 64 and is attached to the first end wall 76 and one of the side walls 74, 74 surrounding the circuit board 60. It is located in close proximity. Such a strut 80 has a length equal to about half the depth of the enclosure box 64 and is provided at its end with a circuit board mounting port 82.

As shown in FIG. 4, the enclosure box 64
The first end 76 of the is provided with a recess 84 in which the optical subassembly of the circuit board can be placed. This recess 84
Has two semi-circle through ports 86,86. Within each through port 86,86, there are two guide beams 88.9 disposed on each end of each of the through port semicircles for positioning the optical subassemblies 44,46.
0 is provided.

Also located on the first wall 74 are two recess cover alignment guide beams 92, 94 for mounting the recess covers. The alignment guide beams 92 and 94 border each side of the recess 84 and extend along the entire depth direction of the recess. The bottom of the recess 84 has three flat joint surfaces 95. (In FIG. 4, only two mating surfaces are shown.) Correspondingly, FIG. 5 shows a recess cover 96 attached to a recess provided in the first wall of the enclosure box. Preferably, the recess cover 96 is formed of the same material as the enclosure box and vacuum metallized by plating or wet plating, or aluminum or stainless steel coating.

In FIG. 5, the recess cover 96 has two semi-circle penetrating ports 98 and 100. Inside each through port 98,100 there are two guide beams 102,104 located at each end of the through port semi-circle. Further, three flat joint surfaces 105 are provided on the upper part of the recess cover. The recess cover 96 is securely attached to the recess of the first wall of the surrounding box so that the joint surfaces 95 and 105 of both the recess 84 and the recess cover 96 abut each other. The recess cover 96 has three recesses 106 to allow the cover to be positioned around the position where the latch members 52, 54, 56, 58 are attached to the enclosure box. Further, on each end of the recess cover 96, a matching guide beam 92 for framing the recess provided in the first wall of the surrounding box,
There are mating grooves 108, 110 for completing the attachment by sliding with 94.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the manufacture of the transceiver module, the circuit board has a male ribbon connector projecting outside the enclosing box and a recess 8 in the first wall 76.
4 is located in an enclosure box 64 with the optical subassembly of the circuit board projecting outwards. The optical subassemblies 44, 46 are accurately positioned within the enclosure box 64 by mating guides 88, 90 provided within each through port 86, 86.

Once placed in the enclosure box 64, the circuit board 60 is secured by two screws attached to the stanchions via the circuit board mounting ports 82. When the circuit board 60 is mounted in the enclosing box 64, the recess cover 96 is mounted on the first end wall 76. The recess cover 96 has its mating grooves 108, 110 defined by the recess cover matching guide beams 92,
It is attached by engaging with 94. When the recess cover 96 is slid into the correct position,
Penetration ports 98, 100 of cover and mating guide beam
102, 104 adjoin the circuit board optical subassemblies 44, 46. Further, the surrounding box 64 and the recess cover 9
The tight tolerances of both 6 form a liquid tight seal between enclosure box 64, recess cover 96, and optical subassemblies 44 and 46. Therefore, with the recess cover 96 in place, the encapsulating material is placed on the circuit board 6.
It is injected into the enclosure box 64 to wrap 0. The time required to mold the module by the above method can be reduced to about 90% compared to the conventional molding process, since no manual caulking work is required to form the liquid leakproof seal.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 6, after the encapsulating material has hardened, the connector shell 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
Mounted on the first end wall 76 of the enclosure box 64. Attachment of the connector shell 20 is provided by two attachment posts 112,112. Each mounting post 112 is a bore that facilitates mounting the connector shell 20 on the enclosure box 64 using the screws previously described.
Has 114.

In another embodiment, the ribbon type connector 6
6 may be vertically projected from the second end 18 of the module 10 to allow connection to the circuit card assembly in a direction parallel to the direction of inserting the fiber optic plug into the module's receptacle. However, in this embodiment, a separate recess cover is required to prevent leakage of the enclosing material from the second end of the enclosing box.

As shown in FIG. 1, the male ribbon connector 66 projecting from the module 10 is formed of an insulating material and has a beam portion 116 projecting vertically over the entire length of the circuit board 60. The male ribbon connector 66 also has a first side 118, an opposite second side 120, and a distal end 122. Extending vertically from the circuit board 60 over the first side 118 and the second side 120 of the male ribbon connector 66 are 28 electrical contacts 124.
Each electrical contact 124 comprises a strip of electrically conductive material secured to the male ribbon connector 66 and electrically connected to the circuit structure provided on the circuit board 60.

Correspondingly, male ribbon connector 66 is coupled to female ribbon connector 126 mounted on circuit card assembly 128. 7, a side cross-sectional view of the female ribbon connector 126 is shown at the position of line 7-7 in FIG. The female ribbon connector 126 comprises two parallel rows contained within the contact chamber 132.
It has eight contact beams 130, 130. (Only one contact in each row is shown.) Each contact beam 130
Is a flat strip made of a conductive metal material. Further, each contact beam 130 has a first end 134,
A second end 136 and a bend 138 proximate the second end and extending toward the contact beams located in opposite rows. The female ribbon connector 126 includes each contact beam 130
Is mounted on the circuit card 128 such that the first end 134 of the extends through the circuit card assembly. Similarly, the second end 136 of each contact beam 130 extends within a travel restriction slot 140 formed in the upper portion 142 of the female ribbon connector 126. Each slot 140
Is a backstop 144 consisting of one of the connector walls 146 and a front stop 144
Provides 148. Correspondingly, the contact beams 130, 130 are positioned within the chamber 132 such that their respective second ends 136 are resiliently biased toward the front stop 148.

Contact beam 1 in female ribbon connector 126
The top 142 of the connector to provide contact to 30,130
Slot 150 located between two contact beam rows
Is provided. The male ribbon connector end 122 is inserted into the female ribbon connector slot 150 to form an electrical connection between the female ribbon connector 126 and the male ribbon connector 66 shown in FIG. Be punished. The male ribbon connector 66 is a female connector chamber.
When pushed further into 132, the two rows of contact beams 130 are pushed further apart from each other. Moreover, each contact beam 130 will be resiliently biased against a corresponding electrical contact 124 mounted on the male ribbon connector 66. Thus, an electrical connection is made between the electrical contacts 124,124 of the male ribbon connector and the contact beams 130,130 of the female connector.

Similarly, the electrical contacts of the male ribbon connector 1
The male connector 66 is easily pulled from the female connector chamber 132 to move the 24, 124 away from the female connector contact beams 130, 130. When the male ribbon connector 66 is removed from the chamber 132, the contact beams 130 of the female connector 126 resiliently return to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, thereby causing the second end 136 of each contact beam to move to its original position. It will abut the corresponding front stop 148.

In FIG. 8, an elastic male ribbon connector is shown.
A perspective view of 166 is shown with a partial cutaway view. The connector 166 includes a first side 218, an opposite second side 220,
And a beam-type housing 216 having a distal end 222. The elastic male ribbon connector 166 shown in FIG.
8 is another embodiment of the male ribbon connector shown in FIGS. 1-3, wherein the male connector shown in FIG. 8 is elastic and the male connector shown in FIGS. 1-3 is not elastic.

However, it should be appreciated that for circuit card assemblies, other means of quickly installing and replacing modules are used. 9, a side cross-sectional view of the elastic male ribbon connector 166 is shown at the position of line 9-9 in FIG. The male ribbon connector 166 has two parallel rows of 28 contact beams 230. (Only one contact beam in each row is shown.) Each contact beam 230 is configured as a flat strip of conductive metal material, and each contact beam 230 includes a first contact beam 230. Edge 234,
It has a second end 236 and a bend 238 located near the second end and extending away from the contact beams of the opposing row.

The male ribbon connector 166 is mounted on the circuit board 260 of the module such that the first end 234 of each contact beam 230 extends through the circuit board. In the preferred embodiment, the first end of the contact beam 230
234 is inserted into a through hole in circuit board 260 that includes traces to provide electrical connections from contacts 230 to components provided on the board. Similarly, the second end 236 of each contact beam 230 has a movement restricting slot 2 formed in the upper portion 242 of the elastic male ribbon connector 166.
It extends within 40. Each slot 240 provides a backstop 244 consisting of a connector support wall 246 and a frontstop 248. Corresponding contact beam 230,2
30 is arranged such that the second end 236 of each contact beam 230 is resiliently biased towards the front stop 248.

Access to make electrical connections with the contact beams 230,230 is provided by their projection from the male ribbon connector 166 into the area around the bends 238,238. The end portion 222 of the male ribbon connector is inserted into the slot of the female connector to form an electrical connection between the female ribbon connector and the resilient male ribbon connector. When the male ribbon connector 166 is pushed into the female connector, the two rows of contact beams 230, 230 will be forced towards each other. Further, each contact beam 230 will be resiliently biased towards the corresponding electrical contact provided on the female ribbon connector. Therefore, the electrical contact beam 2 of the male ribbon connector
An electrical connection will be made between the 30,230 and the contact beam of the female connector.

Similarly, the male connector is easily withdrawn from the female connector to separate the elastic male ribbon connector 166 from the female connector. Male ribbon connector
When the 166 is removed, the contact beams 230,230 resiliently return to the configuration shown in FIG. 9, thereby causing the second end 236 of each contact beam to move to its corresponding front stop 24.
It will come into contact with 8.

Another embodiment of the invention with a main housing 312 having a first end 316 and a second end 318 is shown in FIG.
0 is shown. As described in the previous embodiments, the housing 312 includes an optical subassembly for transmitting signals on the data link and receiving signals on the data link. Although the preferred embodiment is an optoelectronic transceiver, simplex transmitters or receivers or multiplex transmitters or receivers may be incorporated within the module housing of other embodiments. First end 316
Located at is a transceiver connector 320 for receiving a fiber optic plug. In other embodiments, the optical fiber may be attached directly to the module and the optical subassembly therein. Located at the second end 318 is a plug connector 366. In the preferred embodiment, the plug connector 366 is a D-shaped connector having a printed circuit board 368 having a plurality of contact traces 370 adhered thereto. Transceiver housing 3
12 is connectable to the receptacle 310 and the arrow
It is inserted into the receptacle 310 in the direction of 300. Receptacle 310 has upper 372 and side 374,375
A receptacle housing 370 having a. This receptacle housing 370 has a plug connector
Connector 380 for coupling with 366. Connector 3
80 is projected inside the receptacle housing 370, and is a plug connector of the transceiver housing 312.
It has an opening for receiving 366. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 380 is a female connector for receiving a male connector 366. However, in other embodiments, the plug connector 366 of the transceiver housing 312 may be a female connector, in which case the connector 380 of the receptacle housing 370 would be a male connector. Protruding from the connector 380 is a contact 382 for direct connection to a printed circuit board in a peripheral device such as a workstation or computer, which directly routes the connector 380 to a trace on the printed circuit board. In another embodiment, a flat ribbon cable for transmitting electrical signals projects from the transceiver module. Receptacle housing 370
Has sides 374,375 with openings 384 for locking the transceiver in the receptacle housing 370.

The transceiver housing 312 includes a pair of release levers 350,351. The description of the release lever 350 is the same as the description of the release lever 351. The release lever 350 includes a first end 353 attached to the side of the transceiver housing 312. In the preferred embodiment, the release lever 350 is integrally molded with the transceiver housing 312. The release lever 350
Gripping portion with aligned edges to aid its gripping 3
Includes a second end 352 with 55. Located between the first end 353 and the second end 352 is an intermediate portion 354. This middle section 354 is located on the transceiver housing 312.
Angled outwards away from the sides of the. Coupled to the end of the middle portion 354 is a second end 352 that is generally parallel to the sides of the transceiver housing 312. However, since the middle portion 354 is directed outward and away from the sides of the transceiver housing 312,
The second end 352 is located a predetermined distance from the side of the transceiver housing 312 in the neutral state. Projecting from the middle portion 354 is a detent 360. The detent 360 has an engagement surface 362. When the transceiver housing 312 is inserted into the receptacle 370,
Middle section 354 is side 374 of receptacle housing 370
And push the release lever 350 inward towards the housing 312. As housing 312 is further inserted into the receptacle, engagement portion 362 abuts sidewall 374 of receptacle housing 370 and further pushes release lever 350. Upon further insertion, detent 360 engages aperture 384 in receptacle housing 370 and release lever 350 moves outwardly to engage aperture 384. The outward movement of the release lever 350 fully couples the transceiver housing 312 within the receptacle housing 370. In this fully mated position, the plug connector 366 is the connector 3 of the receptacle housing 370.
Combines perfectly with 80. To remove the transceiver housing 312 from the receptacle housing 370, grasp the release levers 350, 351 at the grip 355 of the second end 352 and push the lever inward toward the transceiver housing 312. Depressing the release lever 350 causes the detent 360 to open in the receptacle housing 370.
Freed from 384. As a result, the plug connector 366 of the transceiver housing 312 is disengaged from the connector 380 of the receptacle housing, and the entire transceiver housing 312 can be removed from the receptacle 370.

In FIG. 11, a plan view of another embodiment of a transceiver according to the present invention is shown coupled to a receptacle. Transceiver housing 312
It is coupled within the receptacle housing 370. Release levers 350 and 351 are side walls of receptacle housing 370.
It is pressed inside 374 and 375. Release lever 35
Detents 360,361 of 0,351 are located in apertures 384,385, respectively. In the fully mated position, the plug connector 366 is the receptacle housing
Mated with connector 380 on 370. To remove the transceiver housing 312 from the receptacle 370, remove the release lever 35 that protrudes from the receptacle housing 370.
It is understood that the grasping portions 355,356 of the 0,351 can be grasped and pressed with two fingers to disengage the detents 360,361 from the apertures 384,385 and the transceiver removed from the receptacle.

Further in FIG. 11, transceiver connector 420 'is shown in transceiver module housing 312.
Is shown attached to the first end 316 of the.
In this embodiment, the transceiver connector 420 'has an electrical connection and may accept an electrical plug. As an alternative to transceiver connector 320 in FIG. 10 shown to accept a fiber optic plug, transceiver connector 420 'in FIG. 11 can accept an electrical plug. For example, a copper wire electrical connector may be inserted into a transceiver connector 420 having an opening for receiving an electrical plug (see Figure 12). In another embodiment, the copper transceiver module housing does not have an electrical subassembly therein. However, the electrical subassemblies for the transceivers described above are still included in transceiver modules such as transformers or other AC coupling means and differential (balanced) or signal terminated (unbalanced) transmission line drive and receiver circuits. Has been. By providing a transceiver module 312 that supports different types of media in a common housing design, the transceiver module can be easily upgraded in the field. For example, the initial assembly of an optical transceiver module with multimode capable output (see Figure 12) provided a transmission distance of about 500m. If a system change is made to reduce the required transmission distance to 20-30 m, the multimode optical transceiver can be easily combined with a less expensive transceiver module (see FIG. 11) using the detachable housing of the present invention. Can be replaced. Such tasks can be readily accomplished by those skilled in the art with the latching means being easily disengaged, the plug connector 366 of the transceiver housing 312, and other features of the invention described herein. Additionally, a further improvement can be achieved in a later modification by requiring a transmission distance of up to 10 km by replacing the transceiver module with an optical transceiver module of the invention with single mode capable output.

In FIG. 12, a copper transceiver as described above is shown. The transceiver module housing 412 includes a first end 416 and a second end 418. Extending along the sides of the transceiver housing 412 between the first end and the second end are rails 471, 472 for attachment to the guide rails of the receptacle assembly shown in FIG. The second end 418 of the transceiver housing is inserted into the receptacle receptacle assembly as shown in FIGS. 14-17, and the plug connector 466 provides electrical connection to the receptacle assembly and base plate. First end
416 Latches Transceiver Housing 412 to Receptacle Assembly as described in more detail below.
Includes a latch cover 490 for Further, the latch cover 490 has a latch member 496. First end
Provided at 416 is a pair of transceiver connectors 420. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the transceiver connector is a copper connector for receiving an electrical coaxial cable such as an SMA connector.

In FIG. 13, a perspective view of the second end 418 of the transceiver housing 412 is shown. The plug connector 466 or male ribbon connector is a D-shaped shroud 480 that surrounds an insulating board such as a circuit board.
Is included. The circuit board 460 protruding from the transceiver housing 412 has a first side 421 and an opposite second side 42.
2 and the end portion 440. Extending vertically from the second end 418 of the transceiver housing 412 is the first
20 fixed on both side 421 and second side 422
A circuit board 460 having individual electrical contacts 424. Each electrical contact 424 comprises a strip of electrically conductive material secured to circuit board 460 and electrically connected to the circuit structures provided on circuit board 460 within transceiver module 412. First side 421 of circuit board 460
Ten electrical contacts 424 are fixedly attached to the. FIG.
, The electrical contacts are numbered from 1 to 10. The first and tenth contacts adjacent to the side edge of the circuit board 460 are ground contacts 425. Ground contact
425 extends toward the end 440 of the circuit board 460. The remaining contacts from the second through the ninth are offset from the end 440 of the circuit board 460. Ground contact
The arrangement of 425 protruding above electrical contacts 424 provides good connection of transceiver module 412 to an already used and powered up receptacle assembly. Ground contact 425 makes electrical contact with the receptacle assembly prior to electrical contact 424, and electrical contact 424
The transceiver module to ground potential of the receptacle assembly before it is connected to the receptacle assembly. This arrangement provides a common ground for dissipating the electrostatic discharge to ground potential before the other electrical contacts 424 are connected. The second side of the circuit board 460 is also
It has an arrangement similar to the first side 421 of the circuit board 460 to be grounded for a good connection.

FIG. 14 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, pluggable transceiver housings 511 and 512 define pluggable transceivers. However, pluggable transceiver housings 511 and 512 are shown in FIGS.
Other embodiments with release levers 350, 351 as shown in FIG. The transceiver housings 511, 512 include latch covers 590, 590 ′ as another means for latching the transceiver housings to the receptacle assembly 500. FIG. 14 shows the transceiver housing 512 partially attached to the receptacle assembly 500. Transceiver housing 511 is shown fully coupled to receptacle assembly 500. Receptacle assembly 500 is a mother board or circuit card assembly 528
Mounting panel 570 mounted on the base plate 528 adjacent to the front side and vertically, and mounting rails 571,5
72 and connector bracket 582 provided on the base plate 528
A circuit card connector 580 attached to the. These components of receptacle assembly 500 define the housing of a device such as a host computer, server, or PC. Transceiver housing 512
The components described in connection with are also included in the transceiver housing 512, but are not separately specified to avoid repetitive description.

Transceiver housing 512 includes a first end 516 to which transceiver connector 520 is attached. In a preferred embodiment, a transceiver connector
The 520 accepts an optical plug such as a dual SC fiber optic connector. However, in other embodiments,
As mentioned above, transceiver connector 520 may provide an electrical connector that accepts an electrical plug having copper wire. However, if the transceiver connector 520 accepts a fiber optic plug,
Receptacle openings 532, 534 have a latch for receiving a fiber optic plug provided therein and an optical subassembly provided within transceiver housing 512 (see FIG. 2). Transceiver connector 520 is a transceiver housing frame 550
It is provided in. In the preferred embodiment, transceiver connector 520 and transceiver frame 550 are integrally molded of a polymeric material. The transceiver frame 550 also forms an enclosure box as described above. Provided at the second end 518 of the transceiver housing 512 is a plug connector 566. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 566 is a D-shaped connector as described above (FIG. 13). Transceiver housing 512
The plug connector 566 oriented at the second end 518 and the opposite first end 516 of the transceiver allows the transceiver housing 512 to be quickly and easily inserted into the receptacle assembly 500, and the transceiver housing 512 Can be connected to the circuit card connector 580 of the receptacle assembly 500 with one touch.
The frame 550 of the transceiver housing is received by the guide rails 571,572. Such guide rails 571, 572 include detents 573 for guiding the transceiver housing frame 550 and holding it in a direction parallel to the base plate 528 and for aligning the plug connector 566 with the circuit card connector 580.

When the transceiver housing 512 is inserted into the receptacle assembly 500 for about three quarters of the passageway, the latch cover 590 will engage the transceiver housing 512.
Securely secure the to the receptacle assembly 500. The latch cover 590 has a first side 591 and a second side 592. The second side 592 of the latch cover 590 is hinged to the first end 516 of the transceiver housing 512. The latch cover 590 is pivotally mounted by mounting means 593 in a direction transverse to the first end 516 of the transceiver housing 512 in the direction of arrow 599. The second side 592 of the latch cover 590 includes a protrusion 595. When the transceiver housing 512 is inserted into the receptacle assembly 500 and the latch cover is first rotated in the direction of arrow 599, the protrusion 595 captures the mounting panel opening 574. The protrusion 595 is the mounting panel
Engage the rear side (backside) of 570 and push the transceiver housing 512 in the direction that it fully mates into the receptacle assembly 500. When the latch cover 590 is rotated in the direction of arrow 599, the latch member 596 is moved to engage the opening 574 in the mounting panel 570 in a direction generally parallel to the front surface of the mounting panel. The latch member 596 is the first side of the latch cover 590.
Attached to elastic beam 597 attached to 591. When the latch member 596 engages the opening 574, the elastic beam 597 is urged toward the first side 591 of the latch cover 590. The latch cover 590 is then moved to its fully latched position and the elastic beam 596 springs outward, causing the latch member 596 to engage the rear surface of the mounting panel 570. The latch member 596 is
Release lever 598 attached to the end of the elastic beam 597
Can be released from its latched position by pressing. In the preferred embodiment, latch cover 590, latch member 596, elastic beam 597, and release lever 598 are
It is integrally molded from a polymer material.

In the embodiment of the transceiver housing 512, the latch cover 590 is metallized and the mounting panel is also metallized or made of a metal material and grounded, thereby metallizing the transceiver housings 511, 512. By attaching to the mounting panel 570 via the latch cover 590, the transceiver housings 511 and 512 will be automatically grounded.

In FIG. 14, the receptacle assembly 5
For transceiver housing 511 shown fully coupled with 00, latch cover 590 'has been fully latched to mounting panel 570 and latch cover 590'
Front of the is parallel to the front plane of the mounting panel 570. The latch cover 590 'has a window portion 594 through which the transceiver connector 520 projects. Once the transceiver housing 511 is fully seated in the receptacle assembly 500 and the latch cover 590 'is fully latched, the plug can be inserted into the transceiver connector 520. In many situations, the transceiver housing 511 will provide a long-lasting receptacle assembly 500.
Can be retained inside. Also, in some cases, the transceiver housing 511 does not need to be replaced or removed. However, under certain circumstances,
The transceiver housing 511 may need to be refurbished or repaired. According to this method, the transceiver housing 511 can be easily removed and reattached. For example, the transceiver housing 511 needs to be modified so that a different media interface transceiver connector 520 'can be utilized and added to the housing. Or as another example, the functionality of the transceiver module needs to be renewed by adding a new chipset or optoelectronic assembly. By pushing the release lever 598 ', the latch cover 590' is unlocked,
It can be rotated into the open position. Latch cover 590 ′
When opened, the latch cover 590 'is grasped and the transceiver housing 511 is loaded into the receptacle assembly 5
It can be used as a handle to pull out from 00. After being removed, the transceiver housing 511 is repaired,
It can be replaced or replaced.

15 and 16, yet another implementation of the present invention is shown. Generally, FIGS.
There is shown a new and improved receptacle for receiving a transceiver module as described herein. For example, the receptacle 310 shown in FIG.
Is more clearly represented in FIGS. Similarly, the receptacle shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is similar to that of FIG.
It is configured to receive a transceiver housing 312 shown at 0 and 11. The receptacle assembly 600 shown in FIG. 15 has a base plate 628 and a mounting panel 670 provided with a transceiver receptacle 610. Receptacle 610 has a first end 616 having an opening 676 and a second end 618 having an adjacent connector 680. Transceiver receptacle 6
10 also includes top 672 and sides 674,675.

The wall of the receptacle 610 defines a chamber 620. In FIG. 15, the chamber 620 in the receptacle 610 is shown partially cut away to expose it. Inside the chamber 620 is the ground surface of the tabs 691,692. Take ground tab 691,692
Are oriented to project into chamber 620 and make abutting engagement or sliding contact with the exterior surface of a transceiver module mounted in the receptacle. The outer surface of the transceiver housing is metalized,
This inserts the ground tabs 691,6 into chamber 620.
When engaged with 92, the transceiver module is adapted to be grounded. Grounding tabs 691,692 have grounding posts (columns) 693,964. This ground post 693,694
Is provided in the base plate 628 and is grounded. Grounding tab
691 and 692 are connected by a brace 695. Grounding tabs 691,692 are attached to brace 695 via arms 696,697. Arms 696, 697 and braces 695 are implant molded within receptacle housing 610 in the preferred embodiment. The molding of such implants is adjusted so that only the ground tabs 691,692 project into the chamber 620 and the ground posts 693,694 project outward from the bottom of the receptacle 610.

The receptacle connector 680 is a base plate 628.
Includes contacts 682 mounted on. Connector 680
Projecting into chamber 620 from receptacle 610
FIG. 10 is a receptacle connector 681 for receiving a D-shaped connector at the end of the transceiver module inserted therein (see FIG. 10). In FIG. 16, FIG.
A side sectional view is shown at line 16-16 in FIG. Receptacle housing 610 is shown mounted to base plate 628 and mounting panel 670. A grounding clip 692 protrudes into the chamber 620 to secure the metallized transceiver housing to the mother board.
Ground to 628. Ground tab 692 is attached to arm 697. Projecting from the arm 697 is the ground post.
694, which is provided in the plated through hole of the base plate 628 and is secured to the base plate using solder 629 to ground to the base plate. At least a portion of arm 697, a portion of ground post 694, and brace 695 are molded into the polymeric material of receptacle housing 610. Receptacle connector 680
Is attached to the second end of the receptacle 610. Attached to the receptacle connector 680 is a D-shaped receptacle 681 and contacts 682.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 17 in which the receptacle assembly 700 is a circuit card assembly or base plate 728, mounting panel 770, mounting rails 771,772 and a circuit card mounted on a connector bracket 782. Includes connector 780. Mounted on the mounting panel 770 is a protective door 750. The mounting panel 770 is partially cut away to show the door 750 more clearly. Door 750 is hingedly mounted at a point on top of it. Post 751 projects from the edge of the door and is received in an opening in mounting panel 770. Provided on the post 751 is an elastic member 752 such as a spring. Spring 7
52 is shaped to return door 750 to its closed position parallel to the front of mounting panel 770 after door 750 is opened. Protective Door 750 is a receptacle assembly
Acts as a shield to limit the electromagnetic radiation escaping the receptacle assembly 700 when the 700 is empty. Certain power sources and components provided on the base plate 728 can generate electromagnetic radiation. In the absence of such a door 750, the transceiver module will not
Once removed from 00, the electromagnetic radiation generated by the components mounted on the base plate 728 is free to escape through the openings 776. The installation of a protective door 750 on the mounting panel suppresses these emissions. The protective door 750 can be made of metal or metallized to further reduce such radiation. Also, by incorporating a door 750 into the receptacle assembly 700, the receptacle can be kept empty during the initial assembly of the receptacle assembly 700, allowing multiple receptacle assemblies 700 to be inserted later with additional transceiver modules. Mother board 728
Can be assembled on. Door 75 by post 751
50 is hinged and the door can swing.
Transceiver module is brought into contact with the door and opened
The door 750 is hinged so that the door swings inward so that the transceiver module can be inserted therein when attempting to be inserted through the 776. At the same time the transceiver module is housed within the receptacle assembly 700, the door 750 will be held adjacent to the top of the transceiver module. When the transceiver module is removed from the receptacle assembly 700, the spring 752 causes the door 750 to swing back to a closed position parallel to the front of the mounting panel 770.

In FIG. 18, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Attached to transceiver housing 811 is transceiver connector 820, which is a modification of transceiver connector 520 of transceiver housing 512 shown in FIG. The transceiver connector 820 shown is the module port 82
Have one. The module port 821 is formed so that a number of receptacle connectors can be inserted therein to receive various types of plugs. With the transceiver module 811 easily removable, the transceiver has a plug receptacle (not shown) located in the module port 821 that is removed and a new plug inserted into the transceiver module 811 and module port 821. Separated from receptacle and transceiver module 811
Can be detached so that it can be connected to parts of Such operation is best accomplished by manufacturers using this approach to achieve rapid assembly and on-demand manufacturing and avoid modification of the entire module housing. The transceiver module 811 can then be easily inserted and attached to the receptacle assembly 800. For example, transceiver module 811
It may be configured to send and receive electrical signals from external devices that have electrical plugs inserted into transceiver connectors 820 as described above. A copper plug like this
It is inserted into a copper plug receptacle provided in the module port 821. For example, a DB-9 connector can be used. In other embodiments, another fiber optic receptacle may be inserted into module port 821. For example, a multi-channel connector, such as an MT connector, may be used as a module port 82 for transceiver connector 820.
Attached to the transceiver housing 811 by inserting a modern fiber optic receptacle in 1 to accommodate multiple channel connectors. In another example, a media transducer may be inserted within module port 821. The media transducer has a coaxial connector shown in FIG. 12 at a first end.
It may include a connector receptacle such as a 420 or SC dual connector 520. At the second end of the media transducer, such as an optoelectronic subassembly such as a PIN diode, a laser diode such as an LED, and other optical circuit structures for the optical media, or other AC connection means for the transformer or copper media. It may include an electrical subassembly. In other embodiments, the media transducer may include only connector receptacles or only optoelectronic or electrical subassemblies.
With such a media transducer, the media interface can be refreshed or replaced by removing the media transducer from module port 820 and replacing it with another media transducer.

It should be understood that in the above description, the terms top and bottom, top and bottom of a transceiver module and its respective enclosing box parts are used as an example only in connection with the drawings. . Further, it should be understood that various modifications and the like of the preferred embodiment described above are obvious to those skilled in the art. Further, although the transceiver module shown in the preferred embodiment has a male ribbon connector extending from its bottom, such a connector is configured to extend from, for example, the second end of the transceiver. It should be understood from the beginning to get. Therefore, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Therefore, all such changes and modifications are included in the scope of the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optoelectronic transceiver module according to the present invention and a partial cutaway view showing a circuit board and surrounding material of the module.

2 (a) is a front view of the optoelectronic transceiver module shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 (b) is a view extending through a connector port of a computer chassis.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the optoelectronic transceiver module shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the optoelectronic transceiver module shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an enclosure box used in manufacturing the optoelectronic module shown in FIGS.

5 is a perspective view of a recess cover used in the enclosure box shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the enclosure box shown in FIG. 4 viewed from another direction.

7 is a side cross-sectional view of the female ribbon connector taken along line 7-7 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view with a partial cutaway view of a resilient male ribbon connector used in the optoelectronic transceiver module shown in FIGS. 1-3.

9 is a side sectional view of the resilient male ribbon connector taken along the line 9-9 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment oriented in the assembling direction.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another embodiment of a transceiver module having an electrical interface according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an end of a transceiver.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the transceiver module of the present invention mounted on the receptacle assembly.

FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the receptacle according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the receptacle assembly.

16 is a side sectional view taken along the line 16-16 in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the receptacle assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the present invention shown by being oriented in the removing direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Optoelectronic Transceiver Module 12 Main Housing 14 Top 16 First End 18 Second End 20 Transceiver Connector 25 Ground Clip 27, 29 Tab 30 Connector Shell 32, 34 Receptacle 44, 46 Optical Subassembly 52, 54, 56, 58 Latch Member 60 Circuit board 62 Enclosure (enclosure) material 64 Enclosure (enclosure box) 66 Male ribbon connector 68 Bottom 126 Female ribbon connector 310 Chassis 312 Connector port

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (31) Priority claim number 08/515 813 (32) Priority date August 16, 1995 (33) Country of priority claim United States (US) (31) Priority claim number 08/538 897 (32) Priority date October 4, 1995 (33) Priority claiming country United States (US) (72) Inventor Alan Jay. Wallenberg 118 Vila Park East Adams Street, Illinois, USA

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A transceiver module and receptacle assembly comprising a transceiver module and a receptacle for receiving the transceiver module, the transceiver module housing having a first end and a second end, and a transceiver module housing adjacent the first end. Transceiver module and receptacle assembly having latching means attached thereto, a plug connector located at the second end, and grounding means coupled to the receptacle. 2. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a receptacle housing defining a chamber, the grounding means having a grounding surface projecting into the chamber. 3. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 2, wherein the ground surface is attached to an arm molded within the receptacle housing. 4. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 1 including a receptacle housing having a first end provided with a protective door. 5. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 4, wherein the door is hingedly coupled to an upper surface of the receptacle housing. 6. The transceiver module housing of claim 1, wherein the transceiver module housing has a metallized ground portion that contacts the grounding means of the receptacle to ground the transceiver module to the receptacle. Transceiver module and receptacle assembly. 7. An outer surface of the transceiver module is metallized and the metallized transceiver module housing is configured to ground the transceiver module to the receptacle when the transceiver module is inserted into the receptacle. 7. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 6, wherein the transceiver module contacts a ground surface that projects into the chamber of the receptacle. 8. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 1, wherein the latching means includes a release lever attached to a side of the transceiver module housing and latching an inner surface of the receptacle. 9. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 1, including a transceiver connector attached to the first end of the transceiver module housing. 10. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 9, wherein the transceiver connector is a fiber optic plug receptacle. 11. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 10, wherein the transceiver module comprises an optoelectronic subassembly. 12. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 9, wherein the transceiver connector is an electrical plug receptacle. 13. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly of claim 12, wherein the transceiver module includes an electrical subassembly. 14. An optoelectronic transceiver module provided inside a grounded structure, comprising: a main housing including a metallized enclosure and an enclosure material contained within the enclosure; and electrically conductive from the enclosure. An optoelectronic transceiver module comprising: a protruding metallized latch member; and means for forming an electrical connection between the metallized latch member and the grounded structure. 15. The optoelectronic transceiver module of claim 14, comprising a transceiver connector attached to the enclosure. 16. A ground clip attached to the transceiver connector.
5. The optoelectronic transceiver module according to item 5. 17. The optoelectronic transceiver module of claim 16, having at least one tab extending from the ground clip. 18. The optoelectronic transceiver module according to claim 14, wherein the means for forming the electrical connection comprises at least one tab conductively connected to the enclosure. 19. The optoelectronic device of claim 18, wherein the means for making the electrical connection comprises a grounding clip having the tab extending therefrom and conductively connected to the enclosure. Transceiver module. 20. A system for providing electrostatic discharge or electromagnetic interruption, comprising a metal chassis at ground potential, a transceiver module provided on the metal chassis to which a ground clip is connected, and a conductive latch member. And a plug having the connector receptacle and a plug coupled to the connector receptacle, the plug is grounded in advance by an electric path from the connector to the chassis.