Fiber optic connector assemblies having a reverse optical fiber loop

A fiber optic connector assembly comprising:

• an optical fiber having a fiber end;
• a connector housing;
• and
• a substrate within the connector housing, the substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the optical fiber enters the connector housing over the first surface of the substrate, and is secured within the connector housing at the second surface of the substrate.

A fiber optic connector assembly comprising:

• an optical fiber having a fiber end;
• a connector housing;
• a substrate within the connector housing, the substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the optical fiber enters the connector housing over the first surface of the substrate in a first direction;
• a total internal reflection module coupled to the second surface of the substrate, wherein the fiber end is coupled to the total internal reflection module in a second direction;
• an active component coupled to the second surface of the substrate and optically coupled to the total internal reflection module, wherein the active component is configured to transmit and/or receive optical signals to and/or from the optical fiber;
• and
• an electrical connector coupled to the connector housing and electrically coupled to the active component.