Compact Optical Transceivers Including Thermal Distributing and Electromagnetic Shielding Systems and Methods Therefor

Abstract

An optical transceiver includes structures that define an electrical connector port for allowing connection of an electrical connector to an optical subassembly of the transceiver, and structures that define a vent surrounding at least portions of the connector port, whereby the vent allows bidirectional passage of air therethrough. Included in the transceiver are structures that define electromagnetic interference shielding and selectively transfer heat of heat generating electronic components by conduction to a transceiver housing. Methods of cooling the transceiver by ventilation and internal heat conduction are present.

1 . An optical transceiver, comprising:
 at least one member defining a form factor of said optical transceiver, said at least one member including an end portion that is insertable within a wall opening in a wall forming a portion of an enclosure for a data transfer system, said wall opening having a form factor corresponding to said form factor of said optical transceiver and designed to receive said optical transceiver, at least a portion of said optical transceiver being positioned within the interior of said data transfer system when said end portion is inserted in said wall opening;   said end portion including at least one vent, said at least one vent being located within the confines of said wall opening when said end portion is inserted in said wall opening and said optical transceiver is positioned within the interior of said data transfer system, said at least one vent allowing air to pass therethrough between the exterior of said enclosure and the interior of said enclosure and over a major surface portion of the optical transceiver located within the interior of said enclosure to provide cooling to one or more components of said optical transceiver.   
   
   
       2 . The optical transceiver of  claim 1 , further comprising an electromagnetic shield at said end portion for shielding the optical transceiver, the vent, and the wall opening from electromagnetic interference. 
   
   
       3 . The optical transceiver of  claim 2 , wherein said electromagnetic shield comprises an air-permeable screen mounted within a path of said air and at an oblique angle to said wall. 
   
   
       4 . The optical transceiver of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one connector port at said end portion, said at least one vent being adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the connector port. 
   
   
       5 . The optical transceiver of  claim 1 , wherein said at least member defining a form factor of said optical transceiver comprises a carrier member on which is mounted at least one circuit card containing heat-generating components of said optical transceiver. 
   
   
       6 . The optical transceiver of  claim 5 , wherein said optical transceiver further comprises a heat sink cover member coupled to said carrier, said heat sink cover member for dissipating heat to said air passing through said at least one vent between the exterior of said enclosure and the interior of said enclosure. 
   
   
       7 . A data transfer system, comprising:
 a plurality of electrical components which generate heat when said data transfer system is operational;   an enclosure defining an interior space of said data transfer system for housing said plurality of electrical components, said enclosure having a wall opening in a wall thereof, said wall opening having a form factor;   an optical transceiver having a form factor corresponding to the form factor of said wall opening, said optical transceiver having an end portion that is inserted within said wall opening, at least a portion of said optical transceiver being positioned within the interior space of said data transfer system;   said end portion including at least one vent, said at least one vent being located within the confines of said wall opening, said at least one vent allowing air to pass therethrough between the exterior of said enclosure and the interior space of said data transfer system, and over a major surface portion of the optical transceiver, to provide cooling to one or more components of said data transfer system including at least one component of said optical transceiver.   
   
   
       8 . The data transfer system of  claim 7 , further comprising an electromagnetic shield at said end portion for shielding the optical transceiver, the vent, and the wall opening from electromagnetic interference. 
   
   
       9 . The data transfer system of  claim 8 , wherein said electromagnetic shield comprises an air-permeable screen mounted within a path of said air and at an oblique angle to said wall. 
   
   
       10 . The data transfer system of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one connector port at said end portion, said at least one vent being adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the connector port. 
   
   
       11 . The data transfer system of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one air circulating device mounted within said data transfer system, said at least one air circulating device inducing motion of air passing through said at least one vent between the exterior of said enclosure and the interior space of said data transfer system, and over a major surface portion of the optical transceiver, to provide cooling to one or more components of said data transfer system including at least one component of said optical transceiver. 
   
   
       12 . The data transfer system of  claim 11 , wherein said optical transceiver further comprises a heat sink cover member coupled to a carrier, said heat sink cover member for dissipating heat to said air passing through said at least one vent between the exterior of said enclosure and the interior of said enclosure.