Transponder assembly for use with parallel optics modules in fiber optic communications systems

An apparatus comprising:

• a transmitter module having a first edge connector, and photoactive transmitting elements, wherein the first edge connector is electrically associated with the photoactive transmitting elements, and the first edge connector defines a first plane;
• a receiver module having a second edge connector, and photoactive receiving elements, wherein the second edge connector is electrically associated with the photoactive receiving elements, and the second edge connector defines a second plane;
• a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the circuit board defines a third plane, and wherein the first plane is not co-planar with the third plane, and the second plane is not co-planar with the third plane;
• a semiconductor chip electrically connected to the first surface of the circuit board;
• an electrical connector electrically connected to the second surface of the circuit board;
• a first electrical connection jack electrically connected to the first edge connector;
• a second electrical connection jack electrically connected to the second edge connector;
• a flex circuit electrically connected to the circuit board, the first electrical connection jack, and the second electrical connection jack;
• and
• a housing mechanically securing the transmitter module, the receiver module, the circuit board, the flex circuit, the first electrical connection jack, and the second electrical connection jack.