Hybrid optical connector

摘要

Connector systems that carry electrical signals and optical signals in a single connector are provided. A male electro-optical connector can have an electrical insert portion that fits into a receptacle of a female electro-optical connector to provide a structural connection. The optical interface can be advantageously near a front of the connectors for easy maintenance. Optical connectors with a relatively large diameter for the optical interface are also provided. Optical connectors can include a collector for receiving optical signals at a large opening and providing signals to a photodiode at a small opening of the collector. Such optical connectors with a large diameter for an optical interface can advantageously provide reduced alignment tolerances. Adapters, cable adapters, docking stations, and other apparatus can also be provided.

主权项

1. A female receptacle connector comprising:
a front configured to mate with a corresponding connector; an insulator core; a plurality of pins embedded in the insulator core, wherein each pin contains an electrically conductive material, the plurality of pins comprising a first and a second set of pins, wherein front ends of the first set of pins are configured to mate with electrical contacts of the corresponding connector, wherein the insulator core includes an opening for receiving the electrical contacts of the corresponding connector; at least one active optical component for at least one of receiving optical signals from or transmitting optical signals to the corresponding connector, wherein the second set of pins extend to a substrate that is attached to the at least one active optical component; and a lens device extending from the at least one active optical component to the front of the connector, wherein the lens device is configured to carry optical signals to and from an optical device of the corresponding connector, wherein at least a portion of the second set of pins are communicably coupled with the at least one active optical component and are configured to carry electrical signals corresponding to the optical signals.