Multi-component board assembly
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A multi-board assembly comprising:
- a) a first component board;
b) a second component board being rotatably attached to the first component board along an axis, the second component board having an angular rotation range about the axis; and
c) at least one optical fiber having a bend radius that is substantially maintained at any angle within the angular rotation range, the at least one optical fiber propagating optical signals between the first component board and the second component board.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for assembling and interconnecting stacked optoelectronic circuit boards is described. The circuit boards are rotatably attached using a mechanism such as a hinge. Transmission lines such as optical fibers interconnecting the boards are guided parallel to or on the rotational axis of the attachment for a portion of their length. Bending stress on fiber optic interconnects due to relative motion of the circuit boards is minimized. Signals can be transmitted between the boards at any angle within a rotational range about the axis. This enhances access to components on stacked circuit boards and allows service procedures to be carried out efficiently.
19 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A multi-board assembly comprising:
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a) a first component board;
b) a second component board being rotatably attached to the first component board along an axis, the second component board having an angular rotation range about the axis; and
c) at least one optical fiber having a bend radius that is substantially maintained at any angle within the angular rotation range, the at least one optical fiber propagating optical signals between the first component board and the second component board. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for optically coupling component boards, the method comprising:
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a) providing a first component board;
b) rotatably attaching a second component board to the first component board at a rotational axis, the rotational axis having an angular rotation range;
c) positioning an optical fiber substantially parallel to the axis; and
d) optically coupling a first end of the optical fiber to a component positioned on the first component board and optically coupling a second end of the optical fiber to a component positioned on the second component board, wherein the optical fiber has a bend radius that is substantially maintained at any angle within the angular rotation range. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A multi-board assembly comprising:
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a) a first component board;
b) a second component board being rotatably attached to the first component board along an axis, the second component board having an angular rotation range about the axis; and
c) at least one optical fiber having a bend radius that is substantially maintained at any angle within the angular rotation range, the at least one optical fiber propagating optical signals between the first component board and the second component board, wherein the at least one optical fiber having substantially the same birefringence at any angle within the angular rotation range.
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Specification