Pad architecture for backwards compatibility for bi-directional transceiver module
AssigneeFinisar Corporation
InventorAndreas Weber
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention selectively adapt the pad architecture on bi-directional opto-electronic transceiver modules to connect to legacy unidirectional ports, panels and the like. This allows the bi-directional module to function correctly when connected to either a unidirectional or a bi-directional port. Conversely, exemplary embodiments also selectively adapt the pad architecture on bi-directional patch panels or ports to connect to legacy unidirectional optoelectronic transceiver modules. This allows the port to function correctly when either a bi-directional or a unidirectional transceiver is connected to it.
Claims25
A connector that electrically connects an optoelectronic transceiver module configured for bi-directional communication and a communications device configured for unidirectional communication, the connector comprising:
- a first plurality of pads that are used to communicate with a first receiver and a first transmitter of the optoelectronic transceiver module;
- a second plurality of pads used to communicate with the communications device;
- and
- a third plurality of pads selectively operable to communicate with a second receiver and a second transmitter when used to connect the optoelectronic transceiver module to a communications device that is configured for bi-directional communication.
A connector that electrically connects an optical transceiver module configured for unidirectional communication and a communications device configured for bi-directional communication, the connector comprising:
- a first plurality of pads that are used to communicate with a receiver and a transmitter of the optical transceiver module;
- a second plurality of pads used to communicate with the communications device;
- and
- a third plurality of pads that are idle but that can be used to communicate with a second receiver and a second transmitter when used to connect an optical transceiver module configured for bi-directional communication to the communications device.
An optoelectronic transceiver assembly providing backwards compatibility between a bi-directional component and a legacy unidirectional component, comprising:
- an optical transceiver module;
- a communications device that communicates electrically with the optical transceiver module, wherein one of the optical transceiver module and the communications device is configured for bi-directional communication and the other of the optical transceiver module and the communications device is configured only for unidirectional communication;
- and
- a connector that electrically connects the optical transceiver module and the communications device, wherein the connector includes:
- a first set of pads that are used to communicate with a first receiver and a first transmitter of the optical transceiver module;
- and
- a second set of pads that are idle but can be used to communicate with a second receiver and a second transmitter when used to connect an optical transceiver module and a communications device that are both configured for bi-directional communication.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.