Miniature detachable photonic turn connector for optical module interface

Miniature embedded parallel optic modules are newly available and currently being designed into system equipment solutions to address the expanding requirement for very dense I/O bandwidth. These embedded miniature parallel optic modules greatly improve component densities by significantly reducing the board level footprint requirements of traditional parallel optic modules such as SNAP12, POP4, QSFP and the recent CXP specification. Implementation of these small form factor modules facilitates the ability to pack more processing power onto the physical board, thereby conserving valuable space and power in data centers. These mid-board mounted miniature modules enable the use of high density optical connectors, such as 24 and 48-fiber MPO type connectors at the card edge. These high density optical connectors significantly improve the interconnection density and operational function at the card edge over traditional front panel mounted parallel optics. Fiber optic jumper cables are used to provide the optical interface between the miniature embedded parallel optic modules and the high density optical connector at the card edge. Application issues to this enhanced embedded parallel optic system exist when the optical interface into the module does not equally facilitate the system value achieved by the miniature module and high density card edge connector. To complement the benefits offered by implementation of a miniature optical module, an equally innovative and economical module connector interface is required. This module connector must enhance the functionality of providing the optical jumper interface between the module and high density connector at the card edge. The design solution presented herein is a low cost, low profile connector system that provides a reliable, consistent, and repeatable mating interface to the miniature optical module. It achieves the design and performance requirements needed to effectively implement these new high density parallel optic systems.