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An optical backplane connection system with pluggable active board interfaces

Richard Pitwon (Xyratex Technology Ltd, Langstone Park, Havant, UK)
Ken Hopkins (Xyratex Technology Ltd, Langstone Park, Havant, UK)
Dave Milward (Xyratex Technology Ltd, Langstone Park, Havant, UK)

Circuit World

ISSN: 0305-6120

Article publication date: 27 November 2007

251

Abstract

Purpose

To present work and characterisation results from a project to develop a pluggable optical connector for board to board interconnect.

Design/methodology/approach

An optical backplane connection system is described, which allows for repeatable docking and undocking of an active optical interface housed on a daughtercard to waveguides fabricated on an optical backplane.

Findings

The optical backplane connection system described has demonstrated its successful implementation with respect to optical data transfer across multimode polymer waveguides. Measurement results presented show that such a system is a viable approach toward the application of pluggable optical backplane interconnects.

Research limitations/implications

The direct connection to the exposed waveguide interface results in considerable optical loss and scattering. Future designs will have to address this. Additional work should also be undertaken to develop a means of connector engagement that is autonomous and requires no user intervention.

Originality/value

Prior research into the problem of coupling to an optical backplane has been concerned with interfaces that deflect optical signals by 90° into and out of the waveguides. Here, an alternative approach is proposed that launches light directly into the waveguide ends.

Keywords

Citation

Pitwon, R., Hopkins, K. and Milward, D. (2007), "An optical backplane connection system with pluggable active board interfaces", Circuit World, Vol. 33 No. 4, pp. 20-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/03056120710836909

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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