Preassembled optoelectronic interconnect structure

Abstract

An interconnect component is provided fabricated as a preassembled optoelectronic interconnect structure. The interconnect structure has an optical waveguide link with first and second optoelectronic circuits attached to first and second ends of the waveguide link. The optoelectronic circuits include active optical componentry which facilitates optical signal communication across the optical waveguide link. Further, first and second pluralities of electrical contacts are associated with the first and second optoelectronic circuits, respectively, to facilitate electrically, operatively connecting the interconnect structure between first and second components of an electronic assembly as, for instance, a single, field-replaceable unit. The first and second components of the electronic assembly may be, for instance, stacked electronic components of the electronic assembly, or laterally offset components of a substantially planar electronic assembly.