Optical backplane array connector

摘要

An apparatus and method for forming a staircase arrangement for the connection of optical waveguides between a card and backplane. A card having optical waveguides and electrical conductors embedded in the card has an edge ending in a staircase arrangement with optical fiber-ribbons protruding from the edge. A guidance structure is connected to the edge and contains channels to guide and align the optical fiber-ribbons. A backplane having embedded optical waveguides and electrical conductors also has an edge ending in a staircase arrangement with a guidance stricture connected to the edge and tapered openings which receive and guide the optical fiber-ribbons into close proximity with the optical waveguides and forming a staircase arrangement of connected waveguides between a card and backplane.