US20020142634A1 - Removable transceiver module and receptacle - Google Patents

Abstract

A robust optoelectronic transceiver module which is quick, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture. The transceiver module has a main housing which consists of a potting box with potting material inserted therein. In addition, a circuit board is encased by the potting material. The circuit board has an optical subassembly mounted thereon. The optical subassembly extends outside of the potting box through a recess. Correspondingly, a recess cover is provided for forming a liquid tight seal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly. The module housing may be pluggable via release levers having detentes received in apertures of a receptacle and a pluggable connector of the module mated within the receptacle. The receptacle may include grounding means such as a ground clip mounted within the receptacle and a protective door to limit electromagnetic emissions.

Description

• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/485,310, filed on Jun. 7, 1995, U.S. Ser. No. 08/417,914, filed on Apr. 6, 1995, and U.S. Ser. No. 08/372,780, filed on Jan. 13, 1995.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to optoelectronic transceiver modules and in particular, it relates to an optoelectronic transceiver module, and its method of manufacture, whereby the module is inexpensive to manufacture, has a small yet robust package, and can be installed and replaced via a ribbon style connector for interchangeability and easy removal.[0002]
• Optoelectronic transceiver modules provide for the bi-directional transmission of data between an electrical interface and an optical data link. The module receives electrically encoded data signals which are converted into optical signals and transmitted over the optical data link. Likewise, the module receives optically encoded data signals which are converted into electrical signals and transmitted onto the electrical interface.[0003]
• Normally, the transceiver is mounted onto one of the circuit card assemblies of a host computer, input/output system, peripheral device, or switch. Therefore, as with all electronic equipment, there is a need for a transceiver having an outer package design which occupies as little circuit card surface area as possible.[0004]
• In addition, there is a need for a transceiver module which is highly reliable and durable. One method presently used to ensure reliability and durability is to encapsulate the electronics of the transceiver within an insulative potting material. Encapsulating the transceiver electronics results in reducing vibration sensitivity and prevents unauthorized personnel from meddling with the module's electronics.[0005]
• Presently, the molding of the potting material around the transceiver electronics is performed by placing the electronics within a silicone mold. Any portion of the electronics which extends outside of the mold is caulked, by hand, with a silicone compound which provides for a liquid tight seal. Once the mold is sealed, potting material is inserted therein. After the potting material is allowed to cure, the silicone mold is peeled away from the newly formed module.[0006]
• The above described prior art molding process has several drawbacks. For example, it is time consuming and results in a transceiver module which has a pitted outer surface. In addition, the silicone mold used in the molding process has a limited life of only three to five modules before a new mold must be employed.[0007]
• The optoelectronic module is provided with a plurality of electrical pins for forming an electrical connection with a circuit card assembly. The electrical pins consist of solid wire strands with each pin having one end connected to the electronics within the module and the other end protruding from the module's potting material.[0008]
• The portion of each pin which protrudes from the potting material is either soldered within a plated through-hole, which is provided by the circuit card assembly, or placed within a connector which grasps onto the pin. However, the flimsy wire pins are very susceptible to deformation during both the normal handling of the module and its removal and installation onto a circuit card assembly. Thus, the flimsy pins currently used in the prior art are difficult and time consuming to attach to a circuit card assembly since they must be periodically inspected and realigned. Furthermore, the pins may break if they are realigned too many times.[0009]
• In addition to the electrical pins, the module also is equipped with two mounting ports for physically securing the module onto the circuit card assembly. The module is placed onto the circuit card assembly so that the mounting ports align with holes provided in the circuit card assembly. Once the module is properly aligned, screws are inserted through the holes in the circuit card assembly and into the mounting ports of the module. The screws are then tightened until the module is firmly affixed to the circuit card assembly.[0010]
• Similarly, to remove the module from the circuit card assembly, the screws must be removed and the wires either unsoldered from the circuit card or pulled from the connector which is a timely and expensive process requiring multiple components. In fact, it is common for the entire circuit card assembly to be changed in order to change the transceiver module or the media interface.[0011]
• Therefore, there is a need for a transceiver module which provides for a small, yet robust package, which is inexpensive to manufacture and can easily and quickly be installed and removed from a circuit card assembly in the field. The present invention is such an apparatus.[0012]
• In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a small transceiver module package.[0013]
• It is another object of the present invention to provide a module package that has a robust and tamper resistent design.[0014]
• Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide a module which can quickly be installed and removed from a circuit card assembly.[0015]
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a module package design that can quickly and easily be produced.[0016]
• A further object of the present invention is to provide a module package that can be produced inexpensively.[0017]
• Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a module with a coating which dissipates an electrostatic discharge and serves as an electromagnetic shield.[0018]
• As well, it is an object of the present invention to provide a module which is easily and quickly pluggable and removed to and from a housing.[0019]
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle to receive the module having a grounding means.[0020]
• It is also an object of the present invention to provide a receptacle having a means for preventing the escape of electromagnetic radiation from the receptacle.[0021]
• Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable transceiver module to provide electrical or fiber optic connection.[0022]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In one form of the invention, a robust optoelectronic transceiver module is provided which is quick, easy, and inexpensive to manufacture. The transceiver module has a main housing which consists of a potting box with potting material inserted therein. In addition, a circuit board is encased by the potting material.[0023]
• The invention further provides for an optical subassembly to be mounted on a circuit board. In addition, the potting box has a recess which allows the optical subassembly to extend outside of the potting box. Furthermore, a recess cover may be provided for forming a liquid tight seal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly.[0024]
• The optoelectronic transceiver module may also have a ribbon style connector attached to the circuit board and protruding from the main housing. The ribbon style connector may protrude from either the bottom or one end of the main housing. In addition, the ribbon style connector may comprise of either a male ribbon style connector or a resilient male ribbon style connector.[0025]
• In another form of the invention, an optoelectronic transceiver module is provided which mounts onto a circuit card assembly. The module has a main housing with a bottom. Protruding from the bottom of the main housing is a ribbon style connector which allows for quickly installing and replacing the module from the circuit card assembly.[0026]
• In yet another form of the invention, a method of assembling an optoelectronic transceiver module is provided. The steps of the method consists of placing a circuit board within a potting box and injecting potting material within the potting box. In addition, the circuit board may be affixed within the potting box after the circuit board is positioned within the potting box. Furthermore, a liquid tight recess cover may be mounted within the potting box's recess after the circuit board is positioned within the potting box.[0027]
• Also, the method of manufacture provides for coating the potting box with a conductive metal before the circuit board is placed within the potting box or after the potting material is injected within the potting box. Moreover, a connector shell may be mounted onto the potting box after the potting material is injected within the potting box.[0028]
• In still another form of the invention, a method of assembling an optoelectronic transceiver is provided which includes the steps of affixing a circuit board within a housing and securing a conductive metal coating onto the housing.[0029]
• In another form of the invention, a potting box is provided for potting optoelectronic components which include an optical subassembly. The potting box includes a wall having a recess which allows the optical subassembly to extend outside of the potting box. In addition, a recess cover is provided for forming a liquid tight seal between the recess cover, the potting box, and the optical subassembly. Furthermore, the invention provides for the potting box to have a standoff column for mounting a circuit board within the potting box and an alignment guide for engaging a groove within the recess cover.[0030]
• In still another form of the invention, a housing is provided including release levers having detentes which mate with an aperture of a receiving receptacle. The release lever includes a first end integrally molded to the housing and a second distal end protruding outward away from the housing having a gripping portion and intermediate the first end and the second end and intermediate portion having a detente protruding perpendicular from the surface of the intermediate section. The housing of the transceiver includes a first end and a second end. At the first end of the housing is a transceiver connector for receiving fiber optic plugs. At the second end of the housing is a pluggable connector.[0031]
• In another form of the invention, a transceiver module and receptacle assembly is provided comprising a transceiver module housing having a first end and second end, a latching means attached adjacent the first end, a pluggable connector at the second end and a grounding means associated with the receptacle. A receptacle housing is provided defining a chamber and the grounding means of the receptacle includes a ground tab protruding within the chamber. The ground tab is attached to an arm which is molded within the receptacle housing. The receptacle housing has a first end having a protective door mounted thereto. The door is hinged adjacent the top surface of the receptacle housing. The transceiver module housing includes a metallized grounding portion to come in contact with the grounding means of the transceiver receptacle in order to provide grounding of the transceiver module to the receptacle. The transceiver module external surface is metallized and upon insertion within the receptacle, the metallized transceiver module housing abuts against a ground tab protruding within the receptacle chamber in order to ground the transceiver module to the receptacle. The latching means includes release levers attached to the sides of the transceiver module housing and latching to the interior surface of the receptacle. A transceiver connector is attached to the first end of the transceiver module housing. The transceiver connector includes a fiber optic or electrical plug receptacle. The transceiver module includes an optoelectronic subassembly for an optical media interface or electronic subassembly for an electrical media interface.[0032]
• In still another form of the invention a transceiver module receptacle is provided comprising a receptacle housing having a first end and a second end, a module receiving opening at the first end and an electrical connector at the second end. The first end includes a door hingedly attached at the first end. The door includes posts projecting from the edges for mounting the door to the housing. Spring means are mounted to the posts of the door. The receptacle housing includes an inner chamber having walls defining the chamber. A ground surface is protrudes from the walls for contacting the grounding means of a transceiver module. The grounding surface is molded into the walls of the housing. The ground surface includes posts protruding through a bottom surface of the receptacle housing for mounting the receptacle to a motherboard.[0033]
• In another form of the invention a transceiver module is provided comprising a transceiver module housing having a first end and a second end, a latching means attached adjacent the first end and a pluggable connector at the second end. The transceiver module includes a transceiver connector at the first end. The transceiver connector includes a modular port for receiving various media transducers. The media transducer includes a fiber optic plug receptacle and an optoelectronic subassembly or the media transducer includes an electrical plug receptacle and an electrical subassembly. The pluggable connector includes a D-shaped shroud surrounding a circuit board protruding transversely from the second end and having electrical contacts attached thereto. The pluggable connector includes ground contacts offset from adjacent electrical contacts.[0034]
• Various means for practicing the invention and other advantages and novel features thereof will be apparent from the following detailed description of an illustrative preferred embodiment of the invention.[0035]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• There is shown in the drawings a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein like numerals in the various figures pertain to like elements, and wherein:[0036]
• FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of an optoelectronic transceiver module in accordance with the present invention and having a partial fragmentary view depicting the module's circuit board and potting material;[0037]
• FIG. 2 is a front view of the optoelectronic transceiver module depicted in FIG. 1;[0038]
• FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the optoelectronic transceiver module depicted in FIG. 1;[0039]
• FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the potting box used in the manufacture of the optoelectronic module depicted in FIGS.[0040]1-3;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the recess cover used with the potting box of FIG. 4;[0041]
• FIG. 6 is another enlarged perspective view of the potting box of FIG. 4;[0042]
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the female ribbon style connector taken along line[0043]7-7 of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view, along with a partial fragmentary view, of a resilient male ribbon style connector for use with the optoelectronic transceiver module of FIGS.[0044]1-3;
• FIG. 9 is a cut-away side view of the resilient male ribbon style connector taken along line[0045]9-9 of FIG. 8;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in an unmated orientation;[0046]
• FIG. 11 is a plan view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10 but in a mated orientation;[0047]
• FIG. 12 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a transceiver module having an electrical interface of the present invention;[0048]
• FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of an end of the transceiver module of FIG. 12;[0049]
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a transceiver module of the present invention mounted to a receptacle assembly;[0050]
• FIG. 15 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of a receptacle of the present invention;[0051]
• FIG. 16 is a side elevation cut-away view of FIG. 15 taken at line[0052]16-16;
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a receptacle assembly; and[0053]
• FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a receptacle assembly of the present invention.[0054]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring to the drawing, and particularly to FIG. 1, an enlarged perspective view of an[0055]optoelectronic transceiver module10 in accordance with the present invention is depicted. Themodule10 has amain housing12 which generally has the shape of an oblong box. Themain housing12 has a generally rectangular top14 with afirst end16 and an oppositesecond end18 extending perpendicularly from the top. Attached to thefirst end16 of themain housing12 is atransceiver connector20 for receiving fiber optic plugs.
• Turning to FIG. 2, a front view of the[0056]optoelectronic transceiver module10 is depicted. Thetransceiver connector20 is attached to thefirst end16 of themain housing12 by twoscrews22,24. The twoscrews22,24 extend through the transceiver connector's mountingears26,28 and into themain housing12. Extending perpendicularly from the mountingears26,28 is a generally rectangularly shapedconnector shell30. Theconnector shell30 provides tworeceptacles32,34 for receiving fiber optic connector plugs. Thereceptacles32,34 are formed by theconnector shell30 along with adivider wall36 which extends along the center of the connector shell. Furthermore, located in the bottom38 of eachreceptacle32,34 is a keying channel40,42 which extends toward thefirst end16 of the main housing.
• In the preferred embodiment, the[0057]receptacles32,34 of theconnector shell30 are specifically dimensioned to receive an SC duplex plug. Therefore, the keying channels40,42 ensure that an SC plug will be inserted so that receptacle32 will only accept a plug for sending data andreceptacle34 will only accept a plug for receiving data.
• Extending from the[0058]main housing12 and into each of thereceptacles32,34 is anoptical subassembly44,46. As previously indicated, theoptical subassembly44 is for sending transmissions over a data link and theoptical subassembly46 is for receiving transmissions over a data link. In order to facilitate the connection between thetransceiver10 and the data links, each optical subassembly has aferrule receiving portion48,50. Theferrule receiving portion48,50 couples with the SC plug. Furthermore, the transceiver'slatch members52,54,56, and58 firmly hold the SC plug in contact withconnector20.
• The actual sending and receiving of optically encoded data is performed by a laser diode within the[0059]optical subassembly44 and a photo diode within theoptical subassembly46. Both the laser diode and the photo diode are electrically connected to a circuit board which is mounted within themain housing12.
• Turning back to FIG. 1, a portion of the[0060]circuit board60 is depicted. Incorporated onto thecircuit board60 is circuitry for transmitting and receiving optically encoded data (circuitry not shown). Thecircuit board60 is encased in potting material62 and apotting box64 which forms themain housing12. The potting material62 encases thecircuit board60 such that only the circuit board's maleribbon style connector66 extends from the potting material62.
• Turning to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the bottom[0061]68 of thetransceiver module10 is depicted. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom68 has two mountingports70,70 which are adjacent to thefirst end16 of themain housing12. In addition, the maleribbon style connector66 protrudes perpendicularly from the bottom68 and is adjacent to thesecond end18 of themain housing12.
• In an alternative embodiment, the[0062]ribbon style connector66 may protrude perpendicularly from thesecond end18 of themodule10 so that it can be connected to a circuit card assembly in a direction which is parallel to the direction of insertion of the optic plugs into the module's receptacles. However, in this alternative embodiment, another recess cover will be needed in order to prevent potting material from escaping the second end of the potting box.
• Referring to FIG. 4, an enlarged perspective view of the optoelectronic module's[0063]potting box64 is depicted. Thepotting box64 forms the outer housing of the optoelectronic module. Thus, the potting box generally has the shape of an oblong box with a rectangular bottom72, twoparallel side walls74,74, afirst end wall76, and an oppositesecond end wall78. In a preferred embodiment, thepotting box64 is injection molded of a polymer material such as VALOX, STANYL, or any other glass-filled heat resistent material which can withstand solder reflow temperatures. In addition, it is preferred that thepotting box64 be either plated, wet plated, or vacuum metalized with an aluminum or stainless steel coating in order to dissipate an electrostatic discharge and provide for electromagnetic shielding. As well, the transceiver connector20 (FIG. 1) may be plated, wet plated, or vacuum metalized, in order to reduce emissions and enhance grounding of the module. Such metalization of theconnector20 can bring the module in compliance with FCC Rules, Part 15. In a preferred embodiment, theconnector20 is metalized separately from thepotting box64 so that each attachment portion is metalized and provides for conductivity between the parts. As theconnector20 will be attached to a chassis containing fiber optic connectors which are at ground potential, the connector will ground themetalized potting box64 which is attached to a daughter board. Such grounding enhances the module's ability to dissipate electrostatic discharge and provide for electromagnetic shielding. Thetransceiver connector20 also includes agrounding clip25 attached at theslot23.
• As previously indicated, all of the transceiver's[0064]latch members52,54,56, and58 extend from thefirst wall76 of thepotting box64. Also, thefirst end wall76 of the potting box furnishes the mountingports70,70 which are located on the bottom of the main housing. In a preferred embodiment, thelatch members52,54,56 and58 are integrally molded with thepotting box64.
• Circuit[0065]board standoff columns80 are also provided by the potting box64 (only one standoff column is depicted in FIG. 4). Each standoff column protrudes from the bottom72 of thepotting box64 and is positioned next to thefirst end wall76 and one of theside walls74,74 for supporting thecircuit board60. Thestandoff columns80 have a length equal to approximately half the depth of thepotting box64 with the distal end of the column having a circuit board mounting port82.
• As depicted in FIG. 4, the[0066]first wall76 of thepotting box64 has a recess84 for allowing the placement of the circuit board's optical subassemblies. The recess84 has two semicircular through-ports86,86. Within each through-port86,86 are twoguide beams88,90 which are positioned on each end of the through-port's semicircle for positioning theoptical subassemblies44,46.
• Also located on the[0067]first wall74 are two recess cover alignment guide beams92,94. The alignment guide beams92,94 border each side of the recess84 and extend along the entire depth of the recess. The bottom of the recess84 has three flat mating surfaces95 (only two of the mating surfaces are depicted in FIG. 4).
• Correspondingly, referring to FIG. 5, a[0068]recess cover96 is depicted for placement within the recess located in the first wall of the potting box. Preferably, therecess cover96 is made of the same material as the potting box and is either plated, wet plated, or vacuum metalized with an aluminum or stainless steel coating.
• In FIG. 5, the[0069]recess cover96 has two semicircular through-ports98,100. Within each of the through-ports98,100 are twoguide beams102,104 positioned on each end of the through-port's semicircle. Also, the top of the recess cover includes three flat mating surfaces105.
• The recess cover[0070]96 firmly mounts within the recess of the potting box's first wall so that the mating surfaces95 and105 of both the recess84 and therecess cover96 will abut each other. Therecess cover96 includes three indentions106 which allow the cover to be positioned around the location where thelatch members52,54,56, and58 attach to the potting box. In addition, on each end of therecess cover96 there arealignment grooves108,110 which provide for sliding engagement with the alignment guide beams92,94 bordering the recess within the potting box's first wall.
• Referring back to FIG. 4, during the manufacture of the transceiver module the circuit board is placed in the[0071]potting box64 with the male ribbon connector protruding outside of the potting box and the circuit board's optical subassemblies protruding out of the recess84 in thefirst wall76. Theoptical subassemblies44,46 are properly positioned within thepotting box64 by the alignment guides88,90 located within each through-port86,86.
• Once positioned within the[0072]potting box64, thecircuit board60 is affixed by two screws which are mounted to thestandoff columns80 via the circuit board mounting ports82.
• Once the[0073]circuit board60 is secured within thepotting box64, therecess cover96 is mounted onto thefirst end wall76. Therecess cover96 is mounted by engaging itsalignment grooves108,110 with the potting box's recess cover alignment guide beams92,94. When therecess cover96 is slid into position, the cover's through-ports98,100 and associated alignment guide beams102,104 will adjoin the circuit board'soptical subassemblies44,46. Furthermore, due to the tight tolerances of both thepotting box64 and therecess cover96, a liquid tight seal will be formed between thepotting box64, therecess cover96, and theoptical subassemblies44,46. Thus, with therecess cover96 in place, potting material is injected within thepotting box64 for encasing thecircuit board60. The time to mold the module by the above method is reduced by approximately 90% over the prior art molding process because no hand caulking is needed to form the liquid tight seal.
• Finally, referring to FIG. 6, the connector shell[0074]20 (See FIGS. 1 & 2) is mounted onto thefirst end wall76 of thepotting box64 after the potting material has cured. Alignment of theconnector shell20 is provided by two mountingposts112,112. Each mountingpost112 has abore114 which facilitates the attachment of theconnector shell20, by the use of the previously mentioned screws, onto thepotting box64.
• In an alternative embodiment, the[0075]ribbon style connector66 may protrude perpendicularly from thesecond end18 of themodule10 so that it can be connected to a circuit card assembly in a direction which is parallel to the direction of insertion of the optic plugs into the module's receptacles. However, in this alternative embodiment, another recess cover will be needed in order to prevent potting material from escaping the second end of the potting box.
• Referring back to FIG. 1, the male[0076]ribbon style connector66 protruding from themodule10 has abeam portion116, made of insulative material, which extends perpendicularly across the length of thecircuit board60. The maleribbon style connector66 also has a first side118, an opposite second side120, and adistal end122. Extending perpendicularly from thecircuit board60 on both the first side118 and the second side120 of the maleribbon style connector66 are twenty-eight electrical contacts124. Each electrical contact124 consists of a strip of conductive material which is affixed to the maleribbon style connector66 and is electrically connected to the circuitry mounted on thecircuit board60.
• Correspondingly, the male[0077]ribbon style connector66 couples to a femaleribbon style connector126 which is mounted onto thecircuit card assembly128. Referring to FIG. 7, an enlarged cut-away side view is shown of the femaleribbon style connector126 taken along line7-7 of FIG. 1. The femaleribbon style connector126 has two parallel rows of twenty-eight (28) contact beams130,130 contained within a contact chamber132 (only one contact from each row is depicted). Eachcontact beam130 is constructed of a flat strip of conductive metallic material. Furthermore, eachcontact beam130 has afirst end134, a seconddistal end136, and a bend138 which is located adjacent to the second end and extends toward the contact beam located in the opposite row.
• The female[0078]ribbon style connector126 is mounted onto thecircuit card128 such that thefirst end134 of eachcontact beam130 extends through the circuit card assembly. Likewise, thesecond end136 of eachcontact beam130 extends within atravel limitation slot140 formed in the top142 of the femaleribbon style connector126. Eachslot140 provides abackstop144, consisting of one of the connector'swalls146, and afrontstop148. Correspondingly, contact beams130,130 are positioned in thechamber132 such that thesecond end136 of eachcontact beam130 resiliently urges against thefrontstop148.
• In order to provide access to the contact beams[0079]130,130 within the femaleribbon style connector126, the top142 of the connector has aslot150 positioned between the two rows of contact beams. Correspondingly, in order to make an electrical connection between the femaleribbon style connector126 and the male ribbon style connector166 depicted in FIG. 1, thedistal end122 of the male ribbon style connector is inserted within the female connector'sslot150. As the maleribbon style connector66 is pushed further within the female connector'schamber132 the two rows ofcontact beams130,130 will be forced to separate further from each other. In addition, eachcontact beam130 will resiliently urge against a corresponding electrical contact124 mounted on the maleribbon style connector66. Thus, an electrical connection will be formed between the male ribbon style connector's electrical contacts124,124 and the female connector's contact beams130,130.
• Similarly, to disconnect the male ribbon style connector's electrical contacts[0080]124,124 from the female connector's contact beams130,130 themale connector66 is simply pulled from thechamber132 of the female connector. Once the maleribbon style connector66 has been removed from thechamber132, the contact beams130 of thefemale connector126 will resiliently regain the configuration of FIG. 7, whereby thesecond end136 of each contact beam will abut itscorresponding frontstop148.
• Turning to FIG. 8, an enlarged perspective view, along with a partial fragmentary view, is depicted of a resilient male ribbon style connector[0081]166. The connector166 includes abeam type housing216 having a first side218, an oppositesecond side220, and adistal end222. The resilient male ribbon style connector166 in FIG. 8 serves as another embodiment of the male ribbon style connector depicted in FIGS.1-3 wherein the male connector in FIG. 8 is resilient and the male connector in FIGS.1-3 is non-resilient. It should be noted, however, that other means for quickly installing and replacing the module from a circuit card assembly may be used.
• Referring to FIG. 9, an enlarged cut-away side view of the resilient male ribbon style connector[0082]166 is shown taken along line9-9 of FIG. 8. The male ribbon style connector166 has two parallel rows of twenty-eight (28) contact beams230,230 (only one contact from each row is depicted). Eachcontact beam230 is constructed of a flat strip of conductive metallic material. Furthermore, eachcontact beam230 has afirst end234, a seconddistal end236, and abend238 which is located adjacent to the second end and extends away from the contact beam located in the opposite row.
• The male ribbon style connector[0083]166 is mounted onto the module'scircuit board260 such that thefirst end234 of eachcontact beam230 extends through the circuit board. In a preferred embodiment, thefirst end234 of thecontact230 is inserted within a through-hole of thecircuit board260 which contains traces for providing an electrical connection from thecontact260 to components mounted on the board. Likewise, thesecond end236 of eachcontact beam230 extends within atravel limitation slot240 formed in the top242 of the resilient male ribbon style connector166. Eachslot240 provides a backstop244, consisting of the connector'ssupport wall246, and afrontstop248. Corresponding, contact beams230,230 are positioned such that thesecond end236 of eachcontact beam230 resiliently urges against thefrontstop248.
• Access for making an electrical connection with the contact beams[0084]230,230 is provided since they protrude from the male ribbon style connector166 in the area around thebends238,238. Correspondingly, in order to make an electrical connection between a female ribbon style connector and the resilient male ribbon style connector166, thedistal end222 of the male ribbon style connector is inserted within a slot provided by the female connector. As the male ribbon style connector166 is pushed within the female connector, the two rows ofcontact beams230,230 will be forced to compress towards each other. In addition, eachcontact beam230 will resiliently urge against a corresponding electrical contact mounted within the female ribbon style connector. Thus, an electrical connection will be formed between the male ribbon style connector's electrical contact beams230,230 and the female connector's contact beams.
• Similarly, to disconnect the resilient male ribbon style connector[0085]166 from the female connector, the male connector is simply pulled from the female connector. Once the male ribbon style connector166 has been removed, the contact beams230,230 will resiliently regain the configuration of FIG. 9, whereby thesecond end236 of each contact beam will abut itscorresponding frontstop248.
• An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 10 having a[0086]main housing312, having afirst end316 and asecond end318. As discussed in the previous embodiments, thehousing312 includes optical subassemblies for sending transmission over a data link and receiving transmissions over a data link. The preferred embodiment is an optoelectronic transceiver, however, a simplex transmitter or receiver or multiple transmitters or receivers may be incorporated in the module housing of the alternative embodiment. At thefirst end316 is atransceiver connector320 for receiving fiber optic plugs. In an alternative embodiment, optical fibers may be directly attached to the module and the optical subassemblies therein. At thesecond end318 is apluggable connector366. In the preferred embodiment, thepluggable connector366 is a D-shaped connector having a printedcircuit board368 having multiple contact traces370 adhered thereto. Thetransceiver housing312 is pluggable intoreceptacle310 and is inserted into thereceptacle310 in direction of arrow300. Thereceptacle310 includes areceptacle housing370 having a top372 andsides374,375. Thereceptacle housing370 includes anopen end376 and aclosed end378. At theclosed end378 of thereceptacle housing370 is aconnector380 for mating with thepluggable connector366. Theconnector380 protrudes into the interior thereceptacle housing370 and has an aperture for receiving thepluggable connector366 of thetransceiver housing312. In the preferred embodiment, theconnector380 is a female connector for receiving themale connector366. However in an alternative embodiment, thepluggable connector366 of thetransceiver housing312 may be a female connector and theconnector380 of thereceptacle housing370 would be a male connector. Protruding from theconnector380 arecontacts382 for direct connecting to a printed circuit board in a peripheral device such as a work station or computer to wire theconnector380 directly to traces of a printed circuit board. In an alternative embodiment, a flat ribbon cable for transmitting the electrical signals protrudes from the transceiver module. Thereceptacle housing370 includes insides374,375aperture384 for providing the locking of the transceiver within thereceptacle housing370.
• The[0087]transceiver housing312 includes a pair of release levers350,351. The description ofrelease lever350 is the same of that for351. Therelease lever350 includes afirst end353 which is attached to the side of thetransceiver housing312. In a preferred embodiment, therelease lever350 is integrally molded with thetransceiver housing312. Therelease lever350 includes asecond end352 which includes agripping portion355 which has lined edges to assist in gripping of therelease lever350. Intermediate to thefirst end353 and thesecond end352 is anintermediate portion354. Theintermediate portion354 angles outwardly away from the sides of thetransceiver housing312. Attached at the end of theintermediate portion354 is thesecond end352 which is generally parallel to the side of thetransceiver housing312. However, as theintermediate portion354 angles outward and away from the side of thetransceiver housing312, thesecond end352 is at a distance from the sides of thetransceiver housing312 in its nonmated condition. Protruding from theintermediate portion354 isdetente360. Thedetente360 includes anengagement surface362. Upon insertion of thetransceiver housing312 into thereceptacle370, theintermediate portion354 abuts against theside374 of thereceptacle housing370 and causes therelease lever350 to compress inwardly toward thehousing312. As thehousing312 is further inserted within the receptacle, the engagingportion362 abuts against thesidewall374 of thereceptacle housing370 causing therelease lever350 to compress further. Upon further insertion, thedetente360 engagesaperture384 of thereceptacle housing370 and therelease lever350 snaps outwardly to engage theaperture384. Upon snapping outwardly of therelease lever350, thetransceiver housing312 is fully mated within thereceptacle housing370. In this fully mated position, thepluggable connector366 is fully mated with theconnector380 of thereceptacle housing370.
• For removal of the[0088]transceiver housing312 from thereceptacle housing370, the release levers350,351 are grasped at thegripping portion355 of thesecond end352 in order to compress the levers inwardly toward thetransceiver housing312. The compression of the release levers350 releases thedetente360 from theaperture384 of thereceptacle housing370. Allowing thepluggable connector366 of thetransceiver housing312 to be removed from theconnector380 of the receptacle housing and for theentire transceiver housing312 to be removed from thereceptacle370.
• Turning to FIG. 11, a top view of the alternative embodiment of the transceiver of the present invention is shown mated within a receptacle. The[0089]transceiver housing312 is mated withinreceptacle housing370. The release levers350,351 are compressed within thesidewalls374,375 of thereceptacle housing370. Thedetentes360,361 of the release levers350,351, respectively, are seated within theapertures384,385. In the fully mated position, thepluggable connector366 is mated with theconnector380 of thereceptacle housing370. It can be seen that in order to release thetransceiver housing312 from thereceptacle370, the grippingportions355,356 of the release levers350,351 are protruding from thereceptacle housing370 and may be grasped between two fingers and compressed together in order to release thedetentes360,361 from theapertures384,385 and to then release the transceiver from the receptacle.
• Still referring to FIG. 11,[0090]transceiver connector420′ is shown attached to thefirst end316 of thetransceiver module housing312. In this alternative embodiment, thetransceiver connector420′ may have an electrical connection and receive electrical plugs. As an alternative to thetransceiver connector320 shown in FIG. 10 which was described to receive fiber optic plugs, thetransceiver connector420′ of FIG. 11 may receive electrical plugs. For example, a copper wired electrical connector may be inserted in thetransceiver connector420 having a receptacle opening for receiving the electrical plug therein (see also FIG. 12). In the alternative embodiment, the coppertransceiver module housing312 will not have optical subassemblies mounted therein. However, an electrical subassembly for the transceiver described above is still contained within the transceiver module, such as a transformer or other AC coupling means and differential (balanced) or single ended (unbalanced) transmission line drive and receive circuits. By providing atransceiver module312 which supports different types of media in a common housing design, the transceiver module may be easily upgradable in the field. For example, an initial installation of an optical transceiver module (as shown in FIG. 12) having multi-mode capabilities could provide transmission distances of approximately 500 meters. Should the system be reconfigured so that the required transmission distances decrease to 20 to 30 meters, the multi-mode optical transceiver could easily be replaced with a less costly copper transceiver (as shown in FIG. 11) using the removable housing of the present invention. Such an operation can be easily accomplished by a technician in the field due to the easily disengageable latching means350 and thepluggable connector366 of thetransceiver housing312 and other features of the present invention discussed herein. Additionally, further upgrades may be accomplished in later reconfigurations that may require transmission distances of up to 10 kilometers by replacing the transceiver module with an optical transceiver module of the present invention having single-mode capabilities.
• Referring to FIG. 12 a copper transceiver as discussed above is disclosed. The[0091]transceiver module housing412 includesfirst end416 andsecond end418. Running between the first and second end along the sides of thetransceiver housing412 arerails471,472 for mounting to the guide rails of the receptacle assembly as disclosed in FIG. 14. Thesecond end418 of the transceiver housing is inserted into a receptacle assembly, such as shown in FIGS.14-17, andpluggable connector466 provides electrical connection to the receptacle assembly and a motherboard. Thefirst end416 includes a latch cover490 to latch thetransceiver housing412 to the receptacle assembly, as discussed in more detail below. The latch cover490 also includeslatch member496. Mounted at thefirst end416 are a pair oftransceiver connectors420. In the embodiment of FIG. 12 the transceiver connectors are copper connectors for receiving electrical coaxial cable such as an SMA connector.
• Turning to FIG. 13, an enlarged perspective view of the[0092]second end418 of thetransceiver housing412 is disclosed. Thepluggable connector466 or male ribbon style connector includes a D-shapedshroud480 encircling aninsulative substrate460 such as a circuit board. Thecircuit board460 protruding from thetransceiver housing412 has afirst side421, an oppositesecond side422, and adistal end440. Extending perpendicularly from thesecond end418 of thetransceiver housing412 iscircuit board460 having affixed on both thefirst side421 and thesecond side422 twenty electrical contacts424. Each electrical contact424 consists of a strip of conductive material which is affixed tocircuit board460 and is electrically connected to the circuitry mounted on thecircuit board460 within thetransceiver module412. Thefirst side421 of thecircuit board460 includes ten electrical contacts424 affixed thereto. As shown in FIG. 13 the electrical contacts are numbered 1 through 10. The first and tenth contact adjacent the side edges of thecircuit board460 are ground contacts425. The ground contacts425 extend out to thedistal end440 of thecircuit board460. The remaining contacts, two through nine, are off-set from thedistal end440 of thecircuit board460. This arrangement of the ground contacts425 protruding further than the electrical contacts424 allows for the hot plugging of thetransceiver module412 to a receptacle assembly which is already operational and powered up. The ground contacts425 will make electrical contact with the receptacle assembly prior to the electrical contacts424, allowing the transceiver module to reach the ground potential of the receptacle assembly before the electrical contacts424 are connected to the receptacle assembly. This arrangement provides a common ground in order to dissipate static discharge to ground potential prior in sequence to connection of other electrical contacts424. Thesecond side422 of thecircuit board460 may also have an arrangement similar to thefirst side421 of thecircuit board460 in order to provide grounding for hot plugging.
• Turning to FIG. 14, a further alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the further alternative embodiment,[0093]pluggable transceiver housings511,512 provide for a pluggable transceiver. However, thepluggable transceiver housings511,512 have an alternative embodiment to the release levers350,351 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Thetransceiver housings511,512 include acover latch590,590′ as an alternative means for latching the transceiver housings to areceptacle assembly500. FIG. 14 showstransceiver housing512 partially mounted to areceptacle assembly500.Transceiver housing511 is shown fully mated to thereceptacle assembly500. Thereceptacle assembly500 includes a motherboard orcircuit card assembly528, a mountingpanel570 adjacent and perpendicular to a front side and attached to themotherboard528, mountingrails571,572 and a circuit card connector580 attached toconnector bracket582 which is mounted to themotherboard528. These elements of thereceptacle assembly500 may also define a housing of a device such as a host computer, server or PC. The elements described relating to thetransceiver housing512 are also included for thetransceiver housing511, but will not be separately identified in order to avoid redundancy.
• [0094]Transceiver housing512 includes afirst end516 having atransceiver connector520 attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, thetransceiver connector520 receives optical plugs such as a duplex SC fiber optic connector. However, in an alternative embodiment, as discussed above, thetransceiver connector520 may provide an electrical connection by receiving an electrical plug having copper wires. However, in the case where thetransceiver connector520 receives fiber optic plugs, thereceptacle openings532,534 have mounted therein latches for receiving the fiber optic plug and adjacent thereto an optical subassembly mounted within the transceiver housing512 (see FIG. 2). Thetransceiver connector520 is mounted to atransceiver housing frame550. In a preferred embodiment, thetransceiver connector520 and thetransceiver frame550 are integrally molded of a polymer material. Thetransceiver frame550 may also form a potting box as discussed above. Mounted at asecond end518 of thetransceiver housing512 is apluggable connector566. In a preferred embodiment, theconnector566 is a D-shaped connector as discussed above (FIG. 13). Thepluggable connector566 being oriented at thesecond end518, opposite thefirst end516 of thetransceiver housing512, allows for the quick and easy insertion of thetransceiver housing512 into thereceptacle assembly500 and for pluggably mating thetransceiver housing512 to the circuit card connector580 of thereceptacle assembly500 all in a single motion. Thetransceiver housing frame550 is received byguide rails571,572. The guide rails571,572 includedetentes573 for guiding thetransceiver housing frame550 and maintaining thetransceiver housing512 in a parallel orientation to themotherboard528 and for aligning thepluggable connector566 to the circuit card connector580.
• Upon insertion of the[0095]transceiver housing512 within thereceptacle assembly500, approximately three quarters of the way, thelatch cover590 securedly mounts thetransceiver housing512 to thereceptacle assembly500. Thelatch cover590 includes afirst side591 and a second side592. The second side592 of thelatch cover590 is hingedly attached to thefirst end516 of thetransceiver housing512. An attachment means593 attaches thelatch cover590 so that it swings in a transverse direction to thefirst end516 of thetransceiver housing512 in direction of arrow599. The second side592 of thelatch cover590 also includes aboss595. Upon insertion of thetransceiver housing512 into thereceptacle assembly500 and initial rotation of the latch cover in direction of arrow599, theboss595 will catch on the mountingpanel opening574. Theboss595 engages the backside of the mountingpanel570 and pushes thetransceiver housing512 toward its completely mated orientation within thereceptacle assembly500. As thelatch cover590 is rotated in direction of arrow599, it is moved into an orientation so that it is almost parallel with the front surface of the mounting panel so thatlatch member596 engages theopening574 of the mountingpanel570. Thelatch member596 is attached to resilient beam597 attached to thefirst side591 of thelatch cover590. Upon engagement of thelatch member596 with theopening574, the resilient beam597 is compressed toward thefirst end591 of thelatch cover590. Thelatch cover590 is then moved to its fully latched position and the resilient beam592 springs outwardly so that thelatch member596 engages the back of the mountingpanel570. Thelatch member596 may be released from its latched position by depressing therelease lever598 attached at the end of the resilient beam597. In a preferred embodiment, thelatch cover590,latch member596, resilient beam597 andrelease lever598 are integrally molded of a polymer material.
• In an embodiment of the[0096]transceiver housing512, thelatch cover590 may be metallized and the mountingpanel570 also metallized or made of a metallic material and grounded, so that attachment of thetransceiver housing511,512 to the mountingpanel570 via the metallizedlatch cover590 automatically grounds thetransceiver housings511,512.
• Turning to the[0097]transceiver housing511 shown fully mated with thereceptacle assembly500 in FIG. 14, thelatch cover590′ is shown fully latched to the mountingpanel570 so that the front surface of thelatch cover590′ is parallel to the front plane of the mountingpanel570. Thelatch cover590′ includeswindow594 from which thetransceiver connector520 protrudes. Upon fully mounting of thetransceiver housing511 within thereceptacle assembly500 and the complete latching of thecover latch590′, plugs may be inserted into thetransceiver connector520′. In many circumstances, thetransceiver housing511 can remain within thereceptacle assembly500 for a long period of time and in some cases, thetransceiver housing511 may never need to be replaced or removed. However, in certain circumstances, thetransceiver housing511 may need updating or repair. The present design allows for the easy removal and reinsertion of thetransceiver housing511. For example, thetransceiver housing511 may need to be modified so that a different mediainterface transceiver connector520′ may be utilized and added to the housing. Or in another instance, the functioning of the transceiver module may need to be updated by adding a new chip set or optoelectronic subassembly. By depressing therelease lever598′ thelatch cover590′ may be unlatched and rotated to an “open”position. Once thelatch cover590′ is “open,” thelatch cover590 may be gripped and used as a handle to aid in pulling thetransceiver housing511 from thereceptacle assembly500. Once removed, thetransceiver module housing511 may then be repaired, replaced or updated.
• Turning to FIGS.[0098]15-16, a further alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Generally, FIGS.15-16 show a new and improved receptacle for receiving a transceiver module, such as those described herein. For example, thereceptacle310 disclosed in FIG. 10 is more clearly illustrated by reference to FIGS.15-16. Similarly, the receptacle shown in FIGS.15-16 is configured to receive thetransceiver housing312 shown in FIGS.10-11. Areceptacle assembly600 is shown in FIG. 15 having amotherboard628 and a mountingpanel670 having mounted thereto atransceiver receptacle610. Thereceptacle610 has afirst end616 having anopening676 and asecond end618 having aconnector680 adjacent thereto. Thetransceiver receptacle610 also includes top672 andsides674,675.
• The walls of the[0099]receptacle610 define achamber620. FIG. 15 is partially cut-away to expose thechamber620 within thereceptacle610. Mounted within thechamber620 are ground surfaces ortabs691,692. Theground tabs691,692 protrude into thechamber620 and are oriented to abuttingly engage or wipe against the external surfaces of a transceiver module mounted within thereceptacle610. The outer surfaces of a transceiver housing are metallized so that upon insertion within thechamber620 and engagement with theground tabs691,692, the transceiver module will be grounded. Theground tabs691,692 include ground posts693,694. The ground posts693,694 are mounted in and grounded to themotherboard628. Theground tabs691,692 are joined bybrace695. Theground tabs691,692 are attached to thebrace695 via arms696,697. The arms696,697 and thebrace695 in a preferred embodiment are insert molded within thereceptacle housing610. The insert molding is controlled so that only theground tabs691,692 protrude into thechamber620 and the ground posts693,694 protrude out from the bottom of thereceptacle610.
• The[0100]receptacle connector680 includescontacts682 which are attached to themotherboard628. Protruding into thechamber620 from theconnector680 isreceptacle connector681 for receiving the D-shaped connector at the end of the transceiver module inserted within thereceptacle610. (See FIG. 10.)
• Turning to FIG. 16, a side elevation cut-away view of FIG. 15 taken at line[0101]16-16 is shown. Thereceptacle housing610 is shown mounted to themotherboard628 and the mountingpanel670.Ground clip692 protrudes into thechamber620 and grounds the metallized transceiver housing to themotherboard628. Theground tab692 is attached to arm697. Protruding from the arm697 is groundpost694 which is mounted within the plated through hole ofmotherboard628 and is secured to the motherboard withsolder629 and provides for grounding to the motherboard. At least a portion of the arm697 and a portion of theground post694 and brace695 are molded within the polymer material of thereceptacle housing610.Receptacle connector680 is attached at thesecond end618 of thereceptacle610. Attached to thereceptacle connector680 is D-shapedreceptacle681 andcontacts682.
• Turning to FIG. 17 an alternative embodiment is provided where the[0102]receptacle assembly700 includes a circuit card assembly ormother board728, a mountingpanel770, mountingrails771,772 and acircuit card connector780 attached toconnector bracket782. Mounted to the mountingpanel770 is aprotective door750. The mountingpanel770 is partially broken away to more clearly show thedoor750. Thedoor750 is hinged at a point at the top of thedoor750.Post751 protrudes from the edge of the door and is received by an aperture in the mountingpanel770. Mounted on thepost751 is aresilient member752 such as a spring. Thespring752 is configured in order to return thedoor750 to its closed position parallel to the front face of the mountingpanel770 after thedoor750 has been opened. Theprotective door750 acts as a shield in order to limit electromagnetic radiation from escaping from thereceptacle assembly700 when thereceptacle assembly700 is empty. Certain power sources and components mounted to themotherboard728 may develop electromagnetic emissions. In absence of a door such as750 upon removal of a transceiver module from thereceptacle assembly700, the electromagnetic emissions generated by the components mounted on themotherboard728 would be free to escape through theopening776. Attachment of theprotective door750 to the mounting panel inhibits these emissions. Theprotective door750 may be metal or metallized in order to further reduce such emissions. Also by incorporation ofdoor750 to thereceptacle assembly700 the receptacle may be left empty upon initial construction of thereceptacle assembly700, allowing for assembly ofmultiple receptacle assemblies700 onmotherboard728 for reception of additional transceiver modules at a later date. Thepost751 provides for a hinge to thedoor750 and allows for the swinging motion of the door. Thedoor750 is hinged so that upon abutment of a transceiver module against the door and attempted insertion of the transceiver module throughopening776, the door will swing inwardly allowing the transceiver module to be inserted therein. While the transceiver module is housed within thereceptacle assembly700 thedoor750 will remain in an upright position adjacent the top of the transceiver module. Upon removal of the transceiver module from thereceptacle assembly700, thespring752 causes thedoor750 to swing back to its closed position parallel to the front face of the mountingpanel770.
• Turning to FIG. 18, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Attached to the[0103]transceiver housing811 is atransceiver connector820 which is an alternative embodiment of thetransceiver connector520 oftransceiver housing512 of FIG. 14. Thetransceiver connector820 is shown having a modular port821. The modular port821 is configured so that any number of receptacle connectors may be inserted therein for receiving various types of plugs. Due to the easily removable nature of thetransceiver module811, the transceiver can be removed so that a plug receptacle (not shown) mounted within the modular port821 may be removed and disconnected from the components within thetransceiver module811 and a new plug receptacle inserted within the modular port821 and connected to the components of thetransceiver module811. Such an operation is best accomplished by the manufacturer using this orientation to achieve quick assembly and just-in-time manufacture and to avoid remolding of the entire module housing. Thetransceiver module811 can then be easily reinserted and attached to the receptacle assembly800. For example, thetransceiver module811 may be configured for transmitting and receiving electrical signals from an external device having an electrical plug inserted into thetransceiver connector820, as discussed above. Such a copper plug would be inserted into a copper plug receptacle which is mounted within the modular port821. For example, a DB-9 connector may be used. In another embodiment, an alternative fiber optic receptacle could be inserted within the modular port821. For example, a multiple channel connector such as an MT connector could be attached to thetransceiver housing811 by inserting an updated optical fiber receptacle within the modular port821 of thetransceiver connector820 to receive a multi-channel connector.
• In another embodiment, a media transducer may be inserted within modular port[0104]821. The media transducer may include at a first end a connector receptacle such ascoaxial connector420 of FIG. 12 or anSC duplex connector520 of FIG. 12. A second end of the media transducer may include an optoelectronic subassembly such as a PIN diode, laser diode such as LED and other optical circuitry for optical media; or an electrical subassembly such as a transformer or other AC coupling means for copper media. In another embodiment, the media transducer may include only a connector receptacle or only an optoelectronic or electronic subassembly. Such a media transducer would allow for the updating or changing of the media interface by removing the media transducer from themodular port820 and replacing with another media transducer.
• It should be understood that in describing the top and bottom portions of the transceiver module and its respective potting box components, the terms “top” and “bottom” are used by way of example only due to the orientation of the drawings. It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, although the transceiver module depicted in the presently preferred embodiment has its male ribbon style connector extending from the bottom, it should be understood from the outset that the connector can be configured to extend, for example, from the second end of the transceiver. Therefore, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Thus, it is intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.[0105]

Claims (29)

We claim:

1. A transceiver module and receptacle assembly comprising:

a transceiver module housing having a first end and second end;

a latching means attached adjacent the first end and a pluggable connector at the second end; and

a grounding means associated with the receptacle.

2. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 1 including:

a receptacle housing defining a chamber; and

the grounding means of the receptacle includes a ground surface protruding within the chamber.

3. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 2 wherein the ground surface is attached to an arm which is molded within the receptacle housing.

4. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 1 including:

a receptacle housing having a first end having a protective door mounted thereto.

5. The module and receptacle system ofclaim 4 wherein the door is hinged adjacent the top surface of the receptacle housing.

6. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 1 including:

the transceiver module housing having a metallized grounding portion to come in contact with the grounding means of the transceiver receptacle in order to provide grounding of the transceiver module to the receptacle.

7. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 6 wherein the transceiver module external surface is metallized and upon insertion within the receptacle, the metallized transceiver module housing abuts against a ground surface protruding within the receptacle chamber in order to ground the transceiver module to the receptacle.

8. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the latching means includes release levers attached to the sides of the transceiver module housing and latching to the interior surface of the receptacle.

9. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 1 including a transceiver connector attached to the first end of the transceiver module housing.

10. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 9 wherein the transceiver connector is a fiber optic plug receptacle.

11. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 10 wherein the transceiver module includes an optoelectronic subassembly.

12. The transceiver module and receptacle ofclaim 9 wherein the transceiver connector is an electrical plug receptacle.

13. The transceiver module ofclaim 12 wherein the transceiver module includes an electrical subassembly.

14. A transceiver module and receptacle assembly comprising:

a transceiver module housing having a first end and a second end;

release levers mounted to the transceiver module housing adjacent the first end and a pluggable connector at the second end; and

a receptacle housing having a first end having a protective door mounted thereto and the receptacle housing defining a chamber having a ground surface protruding into the chamber.

15. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 14 wherein the receptacle includes at a second end a receptacle connector for receiving the pluggable connector of the transceiver module.

16. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 15 wherein the ground surface is attached to an arm which is attached to the receptacle housing.

17. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 16 wherein the door is hingedly attached adjacent the top of the receptacle housing.

18. The transceiver module and receptacle assembly ofclaim 14 wherein the pluggable connector includes ground contacts offset from adjacent electrical contacts to provide for hot plugging.

19. A transceiver receptacle comprising:

a transceiver receptacle housing defining a chamber and including a first end having a protective door mounted thereto and grounding means associated with the receptacle.

20. The transceiver receptacle ofclaim 19 wherein the receptacle housing includes at a second end a receptacle connector for receiving a pluggable connector of a transceiver module.

21. The transceiver receptacle ofclaim 19 wherein the grounding means includes ground surface protruding within the chamber.

22. The transceiver receptacle ofclaim 21 wherein the ground surface is attached to an arm which is molded within the receptacle housing.

23. A transceiver module comprising:

a transceiver module housing having a first end and a second end;

a latching means attached adjacent the first end; and

a pluggable connector at the second end.

24. The transceiver module ofclaim 23 including:

a transceiver connector at the first end.

25. The transceiver module ofclaim 24 wherein the transceiver connector includes a modular port for receiving various media transducers.

26. The transceiver module ofclaim 25 wherein the media transducer includes a fiber optic plug receptacle and an optoelectronic subassembly.

27. The transceiver module ofclaim 25 wherein the media transducer includes an electrical plug receptacle and an electrical subassembly.

28. The transceiver module ofclaim 23 wherein the pluggable connector includes a D-shaped shroud surrounding a circuit board protruding transversely from the second end and having electrical contacts attached thereto.

29. The transceiver module ofclaim 23 wherein the pluggable connector includes ground contacts offset from adjacent electrical contacts.

Images