Optical communications module having a floating ferrule that reduces wiggle loss

摘要

A ferrule of an optical communications module is allowed to float to a limited degree within the module housing. Consequently, if a force is exerted on the connector that mates with the optical communications module, the mated ferrules of the module and of the connector moves, or floats, within defined limits so that the ferrules move together rather than relative to one another. In this way, the end faces of the ferrules remain in precise alignment to prevent wiggle losses from occurring due to movement of the connector relative to the module housing.

主权项

1. An optical communications module comprising:
a module housing comprising at least first and second housing portions that are secured together to form the module housing, the module housing having a nose portion that defines a receptacle in the module housing for mating with an end portion of a connector; a module ferrule disposed in the module housing in a floating arrangement that allows the module ferrule to float, or move, inside of the module housing within limits, and wherein the module ferrule is configured to mate with a connector ferrule of the connector in a mated configuration when the end portion of the connector is engaged with the receptacle of the module housing, and wherein if a tilt force is exerted on the connector in a transverse direction to a longitudinal axis of the connector, the tilt force causes the mated configuration of the ferrules to move as a unitary part in an opposing transverse direction within the limits due to the floating arrangement of the module ferrule; and a module ferrule centering mechanism mechanically coupled to the module ferrule, the module ferrule centering mechanism urging the module ferrule to a centered position if the module ferrule is moved from the centered position as a result of the tilt force exerted on the connector.