Modular optical connector apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention pertains to a modular optical connection system that permits simple swapping of optical connectors of different form factor types. Furthermore, it allows a single optical connector design of a given form factor to be used to make optical connectors in various different board-to-board configurations, such as orthogonal, coplanar, and backplane. In accordance with the invention, an outer housing is mounted on a board which housing allows two inner housings to mate with each other through the outer housing. A single outer housing can be used with different inner housings adapted to accept various different connector form factors therein and permits the two mating inner housings to float longitudinally within the outer housing. It also allows the two mating inner housings to engage and disengage via simple push engagement and pull disengagement. The external dimensions and features of all of the different connector housings are essentially identical to each other so that they all can mate with each other and with the outer housing, but have different internal dimensions and features depending on the particular connector form factor style for which they are designed.