Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockheed Martin Corpora Tion

Roger J Karnopp

Gregory M Drexler

Kevin J Thorson

Gregory J Whaley

Robert J Monson

Rick C Stevens

Brian L Uhlhorn

Richard L Cellini

A pigtail-less optical connector assembly is described that is capable of data rates as high as 10 GHz. The described optical connector assembly connects the optical fiber connector to an optical die element mounted in the connector assembly using optical fiber ribbon and an optical deflecting device. The optical fiber connector is slideable within the connector assembly and is resiliently biased toward a home position. The connector assembly is designed to allow the optical fiber ribbon to flex without damaging the fiber ribbon as the optical fiber connector slides.

Pigtail-less optical connector assembly

A flexible circuit assembly that includes a flexible circuit substrate. A spacer is attached to a first side surface of the substrate, and a die carrier is attached to the opposite side surface of the substrate. The die carrier includes one or more photonic die mounted thereon that face an opening formed through the substrate so that the photonic die transmits and/or receives optical signals through the opening. Wire bonds electrically connect the photonic die to an electrical pad on the first side surface of the substrate. The spacer helps to space the wire bonds from an optical connector that connects to the flexible circuit assembly, so that the wire bonds do not interfere with the mechanical connection between the flexible circuit assembly and the optical connector.

Flexible circuit assembly with wire bonding

A flexible circuit assembly that integrates a first fiber optic die, for example a transmitter die, and a second fiber optic die, for example a receiver die, on a single flexible circuit. Alignment holes and the multiple die are accurately placed on a single flexible circuit. The precise placement of the alignment holes and the fiber optic die facilitate micron alignment accuracy to a mechanical transfer (MT) connector. Fiber optic die circuitry is electrically connected to the first fiber optic die and second fiber optic die and connected to the flexible circuit.

Integrated optical receiver and optical transmitter on a single flexible circuit assembly

A die circuit assembly and method are described that integrates a first fiber optic die and a second fiber optic die into one assembly containing alignment features allowing for the accurate aligning of the fiber optic die to a fiber optic connector. The die circuit assembly can be attached to a flexible circuit in a manner to ensure the planarity of the fiber optic die is kept normal to the fiber optic connector. A method is also described where a plurality of the die circuit assemblies are formed from a single assembly.

Fiber optic die circuit assembly and method of making

A flexible circuit assembly is described that integrates a first fiber optic die, for example a transmitter die, a second fiber optic die, for example a receiver die, a trans-impedance amplifier die and a transmitter driver die on a single flexible circuit. Alignment holes and multiple die are accurately placed on a single flexible circuit. The precise placement of alignment holes and fiber optic die facilitate micron alignment accuracy to a fiber optic connector, preferably a mechanical transfer (MT) connector. A heat sink is provided that transfers heat from the trans-impedance amplifier die and the transmitter driver die and isolates the fiber optic die from the heat source. Circuitry for the first fiber optic die, second fiber optic die, impedance die, and driver die, including isolated grounding circuitry, is also integrated on the flexible circuit assembly.

Optical transceiver assembly with integrated amplifier and transmitter driver on a flexible circuit

An optical fiber connector and a method of forming an optical fiber connector are described where the optical fiber connector has low eccentricity tolerance at each end of the connector. Optical interconnection can be made at both ends of the connector, with the low eccentricity tolerance at each end providing improved light transmission at each interconnection. The connector is formed by using two commercially available, off-the-shelf connector members. Each connector member has a first end with a low eccentricity tolerance and a second end that allows for a fiber optic cable termination. The two connectors are connected together back-to-back, so that the second ends face each other and the first ends are disposed at opposite ends of the connector. The size of the connector can also be easily adjusted to make it shorter or longer.

Optical fiber connector and method

A number of fiber optic interconnection systems and apparatuses, optical network nodes, and methods are disclosed. One fiber optic interconnection system embodiment includes a first interconnectivity component for receiving and sending one or more signals between at least a first optical network node and a second optical network node, a second interconnectivity component for receiving and sending one or more signals between at least the first optical network node and the second optical network node, a distribution component that encodes an information signal onto a number of optical signals having different wavelength ranges, and a directional component for directing the number of optical signals having different wavelength ranges through one of the first or second interconnectivity components.

Fiber optic interconnection

A connector assembly that integrates an optical fiber connector with a fiber optic transceiver into one assembly. The optical fiber connector is provided with end float for optical connection to an optical back panel. Some components of the fiber optic transceiver are mounted on the optical fiber connector and float with the connector. Other components of the fiber optic transceiver are mounted in static positions on a circuit card assembly that is part of the connector assembly. A flexible circuit electrically connects the transceiver components mounted on the optical fiber connector with the static transceiver components. The connector assembly eliminates the use of a fiber pigtail, improves the ease of mounting and removal of the fiber optic transceiver from the host board, consolidates the transceiver circuitry into one assembly, and allows reduction of the host board footprint and/or provides additional space on the host board for mounting other components.

Fiber optic transceiver within a connector assembly

A fiber optic transceiver incorporating a lens array with an integrated mirror and method of creating the same is disclosed. The transceiver includes the lens array and transceiver housing used to convert optical signals to electrical signals. The lens array includes a fiber side that can be connected to a fiber optic connector. The lens array also has a device side that can be connected to a photodetector. The lens array also includes a mirror that is positioned to transmit an optical signal received from the fiber side to the device side. Both the fiber side and the device include lenses used to provide focused transmission of optical signals. Accordingly, optical signals can be transmitted from a fiber optic connector to a photodetector in a compact and efficient manner at high bandwidths.

Lens array with integrated folding mirror

A method of securing articles to each other and an alignment and holding apparatus comprising a platform having an alignment member for positioning and holding a first article, such as a substrate, in a first position and a further alignment member for aligning extensions of a second article, such as a lead frame, in an assembleable position with respect to the first article while a spacer maintains the extensions in proper lateral position and a clamp that secures the extensions proximate the first article while an electrical connection is formed between the first article and the extensions of the second article.

Growing community of inventors

Eagan, MN, United States of America

Roger J Karnopp