Abstract
We have developed a vertically pluggable and compact 12-channel optical
module for intercabinet and intracabinet optical interconnections.
Error-free and over 10 Gb/s operation of the optical module with an
electrical and optical connector have been demonstrated. The module is
designed to be 10 mm in width, 10 mm in length, and 6 mm in thickness so
that it can be placed around the central processing units. This compact
optical module can be mounted on the inner board area. Further, this module
is vertically pluggable in the ${z}$-direction, i.e., in a direction that is perpendicular to the
board. Because of the vertical pluggability, the optical modules can be
repaired much more easily. The optical connector used in the low-height
module has 12 fine-drawn graded-index multimode fibers (MMFs). These fibers
have a high relative refractive index difference ($\Delta$) and are bent with a 2 mm radius of curvature. The electrical
connector consists of an anisotropic conductive film that is sandwiched
between an alumina substrate and a printed circuit board with a clamp
spring. We have used the alumina substrate to mount the optical device and
the driver integrated circuit, because of its high thermal conductivity. In
order to reduce cost, we have not used either a microlens or a metal-coated
mirror in the optical module. Furthermore, passive alignment between the
MMFs and the optical device has been achieved using guide pins assembled in
the alumina substrate.
© 2009 IEEE
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