Methods and systems for blind mating multi-optical fiber connector modules

A method for blindly mating a plurality of first multi-optical fiber connector modules with a plurality of second multi-optical fiber connector modules, the method comprising:

• providing a first structure having a plug mounted thereon, the plug including a plug housing having first passive coarse alignment features thereon, wherein a plurality of first multi-optical fiber connector modules are held in slots formed in the plug housing, each of the first multi-optical fiber connector modules having first fine passive alignment features thereon, each of the first multi-optical fiber connector modules being mechanically and optically coupled to ends of a plurality of first optical fibers;
• providing a second structure having a receptacle mounted thereon, the receptacle having second passive coarse alignment features thereon, wherein a plurality of second multi-optical fiber connector modules are held in slots formed in the receptacle, each of the second multi-optical fiber connector module having second fine passive alignment features thereon, each of the second multi-optical fiber connector modules being mechanically and optically coupled to ends of a plurality of second optical fibers;
• and
• mechanically engaging the first and second structures with one another such that the first passive coarse alignment features of the plug are engaged with the second passive coarse alignment features of the receptacle, wherein the engagement of the first passive coarse alignment features with the second passive coarse alignment features causes the first and second passive fine alignment features of the first and second multi-optical fiber connector modules to engage one another such that each of the first multi-optical fiber connector modules is engaged with, and optically aligned with, a respective second multi-optical fiber connector module.