Vertical interconnect system for high-speed data transmission

A vertical interconnect module comprising:

• an interconnect module substrate having a major top surface and a major bottom surface opposite the major top surface in a downward direction, the interconnect module substrate having a length along a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the downward direction, and the interconnect module substrate having a width along a lateral direction that is perpendicular to each of the downward direction and the longitudinal direction;
• an optical engine mounted to the major bottom surface of the interconnect module substrate, wherein the optical engine includes an optical block and an electro-optical element, and the optical block is configured to direct light between an optical cable and the electro-optical element when the optical cable is mated with the vertical interconnect module;
• and
• an interconnect module housing mounted to the major bottom surface of the interconnect module substrate, wherein the interconnect module housing includes a retaining feature, and the retaining feature is configured to engage with a sliding latch of a receptacle when the vertical interconnect module is mated with the receptacle to prevent removal of the vertical interconnect module from the receptacle.