Fiber optic module

• US RE40,154 E1
• Filed: 01/29/2004
• Issued: 03/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: II-VI Delaware, Inc. (Coherent Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Nagao, Hideyuki, Ishibashi, Shin, Miyazaki, Tomiya
• Primary Examiner(s): Sanghavi; Hemang
• Application Number:
  US10/766,488
• Time in Patent Office: 1,510 Days
• Field of Search: 385/14, 385/15, 385/24, 385/49, 385 88- 94, 385/139, 361/760, 361/783, 361/785
• US Class Current: 385/92
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4246 Bidirectionally operating package structures
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4292 the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/801 using optical interconnects, e.g. light coupled isolators, circuit board interconnections

Abstract

A fiber optic module includes a connector connected to a mother board of a host computer, an LD semiconductor IC for converting serial data received from the mother board to an LD electric signal for a laser diode, an LD module for converting the LD electric signal to an LD optical signal, a PD module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a PD electric signal, a PD semiconductor IC for converting the PD electric signal to PD serial data, a circuit board having the connector and carrying LD semiconductor IC and PD semiconductor IC, an LD shielding plate and a PD shielding plate for electrically shielding the LD module and the PD module, respectively a first frame and a second frame for holding the circuit board, LD module and PD module. In the fiber optic module, the connector is of a surface mounting type, leads of the LD and PD modules are connected to a side of the circuit board mounted with the connector, the circuit board has an LD variable resistor for adjusting a drive current of the LD module, the LD variable resistor is provided to a side of the circuit board opposite to the connector, the circuit board has a PD variable resistor provided to the side of the circuit board opposite to the connector for detecting a signal of the PD module, 3 signal processing semiconductor ICs or less are provided.

Claims

1. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said connector is of a surface mounting type.

2. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 1, wherein leads of said laser diode and photo diode modules are connected to a surface of said circuit board provided thereon with said connector.

3. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 2, further comprising an laser diode variable resistor for adjusting a drive current of said laser diode module and wherein said laser diode variable resistor is provided on a surface of said circuit board opposed to said surface having said connector thereon.

4. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a photo diode variable resistor for detecting a signal of said photo diode module and wherein said photo diode variable resistor is provided on a surface of said circuit board opposed to said surface having said connector thereon.

5. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 1, wherein said photo diode electric signal conversion means includes a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits.

6. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 1, wherein said circuit board measures 17 mm through 25.4 mm wide, 30 mm through and 50 mm long.

7. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein outline dimensions of said fiber optic module are 19 mm through 25.4 mm wide, 45 mm through 65 mm high and 9 mm through 25.4 mm high.

8. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 7, further comprising a casing, said casing comprising said first and second frames forms an outside casing.

9. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 7, wherein said first and second frames are made of resin material.

10. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said module comprises mounting means for mounting said first and second frames to said mother board.

11. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 10, wherein said mounting means includes a screw.

12. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 11, further comprising a first frame openings provided in said first frame, a second frame openings provided in said second frame, a circuit board openings provided in said circuit board, and a mother board openings provided in said mother board, and wherein screws are inserted into said first openings, second frame openings, said circuit board openings and said mother board openings to cause said first frame, said second frame, said circuit board and said mother board to be mutually fixed.

13. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 12, wherein said first frame openings is smaller than said second frame openings and said circuit board openings and said mother board openings have substantially the same diameter as said second frame opening.

14. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 10, wherein said screws have an effective diameter of 1.3 mm or more.

15. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 12, wherein 3 of said first frame openings are provided in said first frame and said first frame openings are arranged to form a substantially isosceles triangle.

16. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 12, wherein said first frame openings are used also as reference holes for parts inspection of said first frame and said second frame openings are used also as reference holes for parts inspection of said second frame.

17. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 11, wherein said screws are tapping screws.

18. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 10, wherein pins erected on at least one of said first and second frames are used as said mounting means.

19. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 18, wherein pins erected only on said second frame are used as said mounting means.

20. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 19, further comprising first frame openings provided in said first frame, a circuit board openings provided in said circuit board, and a mother board openings provided in said mother board, and wherein screws are inserted into said first frame openings, said circuit board openings and said mother board openings to cause said first frame, said circuit board and said mother board to be mutually fixed.

21. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 20, wherein said first frame openings are larger than a diameter of said pin and said circuit board openings and said mother board openings have substantially the same diameter as said first frame openings.

22. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 19, wherein said pin has a diameter of 1.3 mm or more.

23. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 19, wherein said pin is made of metallic material.

24. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 19, wherein said pin is integrally formed with said second frame or press fitted therein.

25. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 20, wherein 3 of said first frame openings are provided in said first frame and said first frame openings are arranged to form a substantially isosceles triangle.

26. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 20, wherein said first frame openings are used also as reference holes for parts inspection of said first frame and said pins are used also as reference holes for parts inspection of said second frame.

27. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said circuit board is temporarily fixed to at least one of said first and second frames.

28. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 27, wherein said temporary fixing means is a snap-fit mechanism.

29. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 28, wherein said circuit board is temporarily fixed at an end thereof by said snap-fit mechanism.

30. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 27, wherein an elastic arm is provided to at least one of said first and second frames and said circuit board is temporarily fixed to the other frame by said elastic arm.

31. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 27, wherein said circuit board is temporarily fixed at a front part thereof by a snap-fit mechanism and said circuit board is temporarily fixed to the other frame at a rear part thereof by an elastic arm.

32. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said module further comprises supporting means for tightening to fix said first and second frames and said mother board from their outer periphery.

33. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 32, wherein said supporting means is made of metallic plate.

34. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 33, wherein said metallic plate is provided in its both ends with recesses and said recesses are rotated to tighteningly fix said metallic plate.

35. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 32, wherein said supporting means is positioned at a position opposed to said laser diode and photo diode modules.

36. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said module further includes a cover for covering an externally exposed part of said circuit board therewith.

37. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 36, wherein said cover is made of resin material.

38. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 36, wherein said cover is made of metallic material.

39. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 36, wherein said cover is made in the form of said first frame.

40. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 36, wherein said cover is provided therein with an opening.

41. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said module further comprises indication parts indicative of a safety certification and a place of production provided respectively onto said first and second frames.

42. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 41, wherein said indication part provided onto said first frame is opposed to said indication part provided onto said second frame.

43. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 42, wherein said first and second frames have a recess and said indication parts are provided to said recesses.

44. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 41, wherein said indication parts are seal labels.

45. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 41, wherein said indication parts are provided integrally to said first and second frames respectively.

46. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein a data transmission rate of said optical signal is 130 Mbits/s or more.

47. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 46, wherein the data transmission rate of said optical signal is 200 Mbits/s or more.

48. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 46, wherein the data transmission rate of said optical signal is 500 Mbits/s or more.

49. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 46, wherein the data transmission rate of said optical signal is 1000 Mbits/s or more.

50. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said fiber optic module further includes a module cap to be inserted into light outlet and inlet openings defined by said first and second frames along a light inlet and outlet direction.

51. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 50, wherein said module cap has cap fixing means engaged with part of said first and second frames and fixed to at least one of said first and second frames.

52. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said fiber optic module includes a shielding member for shielding at least one of said laser diode and photo diode modules.

53. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 52, wherein a shielding plate for exclusive use of said laser diode module and a shielding plate for exclusive use of said photo diode module.

54. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 52, wherein at least one of said first and second frames is provided integrally with a shielding plate.

55. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

laser diode electric signal conversion means for converting serial data received from said mother board to an laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

an laser diode module for converting said laser diode electric signal to an laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module for converting a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

photo diode electric signal conversion means for converting said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board for carrying thereon said connector, said laser diode electric signal conversion means, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

first and second frames for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein elastic pawls to be engaged with an optical fiber plug are provided to at least one of said first and second frames and said pawls are provided at their root parts with first projections extended toward the other frame.

56. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 55, wherein second projections for protecting said first projections are provided to an opposite frame being opposite to the frame provided with said first projections.

57. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 55, wherein said first and second frames and said pawls are made of resin material.

58. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connecting with a mother board of a computer;

a first semiconductor integral circuit for converting a first parallel data provided from the mother board into a first serial data for a laser diode;

a second semiconductor integral circuit for converting said first serial data for the laser diode converted by said first semiconductor integral circuit into a first electrical signal;

a laser diode module including a laser diode for converting said first electrical signal for the laser diode into a first optical signal of the laser diode;

a photodiode module including a photodiode for converting a second optical signal received by said photodiode into a second electrical signal of the photodiode;

a third semiconductor integral circuit for converting said second electrical signal of the photodiode into a second serial data of the photodiode;

a fourth semiconductor integral circuit for converting said second serial data of the photodiode converted by said third semiconductor integral circuit into a second parallel data;

a circuit board for furnishing with said connector, said first semiconductor integral circuit, said second semiconductor integral circuit, said third semiconductor integral circuit and said fourth semiconductor integral circuit;

a first shielding plate for electrically shielding said laser diode module;

a second shielding plate for electrically shielding said photo diode module;

a first frame for holding said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

a second frame for cooperating with said first frame to hold said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module.

59. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

a laser diode driver to convert serial data received from said mother board to a laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

a laser diode module to convert said laser diode electric signal to a laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module to convert a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal;

a semiconductor integrated circuit to convert said photo diode electric signal to photo diode serial data;

a circuit board to carry thereon said connector, said laser diode driver, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

a frame to hold said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module,

wherein said fiber optic module further comprises a module cap to be inserted into light outlet and inlet openings defined by said frame along a light inlet and outlet direction.

60. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

a laser diode driver to convert serial data received from said mother board through said connector to a laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

a laser diode module including said laser diode, to convert said laser diode electric signal to a laser diode optical signal, said laser diode optical signal adapted for transmission to an optical fiber connected with said laser diode module, said laser diode optical signal having a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a photo diode module to convert a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal, said photodiode optical signal adapted for transmission from an optical fiber connected with said photo diode module, said photodiode optical signal having a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a semiconductor integrated circuit to convert said photo diode electric signal to a photo diode serial data, said photo diode serial data adapted for transmission to said mother board through said connector;

a circuit board to carry thereon said connector, said laser diode driver, said laser diode module, said photo diode module and said semiconductor integrated circuit; and

a frame to hold said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module, said frame comprising an indication part to indicate a satisfied specification of a laser safety standard.

61. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

a laser diode driver to convert serial data received from said mother board through said connector to a laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

a laser diode module including said laser diode, to convert said laser diode electric signal to a laser diode optical signal, said laser diode optical signal adapted for transmission to an optical fiber connected with said laser diode module, said laser diode optical signal having a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a photo diode module to convert a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal, said photodiode optical signal adapted for transmission from an optical fiber connected with said photo diode module, said photodiode optical signal having a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a semiconductor integrated circuit to convert said photo diode electric signal to a photo diode serial data, said photo diode serial data adapted for transmission to said mother board through said connector;

a circuit board to carry thereon said connector, said laser diode driver, said laser diode module, said photo diode module and said semiconductor integrated circuit;

a frame to hold said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module, said frame comprising an indication part to indicate a satisfied specification of a laser safety standard; and

a module cap adapted to be inserted into light outlet and inlet openings defined by said frame along a light inlet and outlet direction and adapted to prevent dust from invading said laser diode module and said photo diode module in a non-operative mode of said fiber optic module.

62. A fiber optic module comprising:

a connector for connection with a mother board;

a laser diode driver to convert serial data received from said mother board through said connector to a laser diode electric signal for a laser diode;

a laser diode module including said laser diode, to convert said laser diode electric signal to a laser diode optical signal, said laser diode optical signal adapted for transmission to an optical fiber connected with said laser diode module, said laser diode optical signal having a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a photo diode module to convert a photodiode optical signal to a photo diode electric signal, said photodiode optical signal adapted for transmission from an optical fiber connected with said photo diode module, said photodiode optical signal having a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a semiconductor integrated circuit to convert said photo diode electric signal to a photo diode serial data, said photo diode serial data adapted for transmission to said mother board through said connector;

a circuit board to carry thereon said connector, said laser diode driver, said laser diode module, said photo diode module and said semiconductor integrated circuit;

a frame to hold said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module, said frame comprising an indication part to indicate a satisfied specification of a laser safety standard; and

a supporting plate to fix said frame to said mother board.

63. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 62, wherein said supporting plate is made of metallic material.

64. A fiber optic module adapted for use between at least one optical fiber and a computer comprising:

a connector for electric connection with the computer;

a laser diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said laser diode module adapted to output a laser diode optical signal to the at least one optical fiber;

a laser diode driver to drive said laser diode module according to serial data received from the computer through said connector;

a photo diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said photo diode module adapted to receive a photodiode optical signal from the at least one optical fiber and to convert said photodiode optical signal into a photodiode electric signal;

a semiconductor integrated circuit to output an electric digital signal according to said photodiode electric signal, said electric digital signal adapted for transmission as serial data to the computer through said connector;

a sole circuit board to mount thereon said connector, said laser diode module, said laser diode driver, said photo diode module and said semiconductor integrated circuit; and

a housing to accommodate said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

a module cap adapted to be inserted into at least one of light outlet and inlet openings defined by said housing and adapted to prevent dust from invading said laser diode module and said photo diode module.

65. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 64, wherein said module cap further comprises at least a projection adapted to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

66. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 65, wherein at least a part of said projection is adapted to be inserted into at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

67. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 66, wherein said projection is integrally formed with said module cap being made of resin.

68. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 64, wherein said module cap is adapted to be attached to said fiber optic module in a non-operative mode of said fiber optic module.

69. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 64, wherein said housing further comprises an indication part to indicate a satisfied specification of a laser safety standard.

70. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 69, wherein said laser diode optical signal and said photodiode optical signal are adapted to have a transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more.

71. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 70, wherein said module cap is made of resin, and further comprises a pair of projections adapted to be inserted into said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

72. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 69, wherein said indication part comprises a label.

73. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 72, wherein said module cap further comprises at least a projection adapted to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

74. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 69, wherein said module cap further comprises at least a projection adapted to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

75. A fiber optic module adapted for use between at least one optical fiber and a circuit board of a computer comprising:

a connector for electric connection with the circuit board of the computer;

a laser diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said laser diode module adapted to output a laser diode optical signal to the at least one optical fiber;

a laser diode driver to drive said laser diode module according to serial data received from the computer through said connector;

a photo diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said photo diode module adapted to receive a photodiode optical signal from the at least one optical fiber and to convert said photodiode optical signal into a photodiode electric signal;

a semiconductor integrated circuit to output an electric digital signal according to said photodiode electric signal, said electric digital signal adapted for transmission as serial data to the computer through said connector;

a sole circuit board to mount thereon said connector, said laser diode module, said laser diode driver, said photo diode module and said semiconductor integrated circuit; and

a housing to accommodate said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

a supporting plate to fix said housing to the circuit board of the computer.

76. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 75, wherein said supporting plate is made of metallic material.

77. A fiber optic module adapted for use between at least one optical fiber and a circuit board of a computer comprising:

a connector for electric connection with the circuit board of the computer;

a laser diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said laser diode module adapted to output a laser diode optical signal to the at least one optical fiber, said laser diode optical signal having a transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a laser diode driver to drive said laser diode module according to serial data received from the computer through said connector;

a photo diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said photo diode module adapted to receive a photodiode optical signal from the at least one optical fiber and to convert said photodiode optical signal into a photodiode electric signal, said photodiode optical signal having a transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a semiconductor integrated circuit to output an electric digital signal according to said photodiode electric signal, said electric digital signal adapted for transmission as serial data to the computer through said connector;

a sole circuit board to mount thereon said connector, said laser diode module, said laser diode driver, said photo diode module and said semiconductor integrated circuit;

a housing to accommodate said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module, said housing comprising an indication part to indicate a satisfied specification of a laser safety standard;

a module cap adapted to be inserted into at least one of light outlet and inlet openings defined by said housing and adapted to prevent dust from invading said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

a metallic supporting plate to fix said housing to the circuit board of the computer.

78. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 77, wherein said indication part comprises a label.

79. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 77, wherein said module cap further comprises at least a projection adapted to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

80. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 78, wherein said module cap further comprises at least a projection adapted to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

81. A fiber optic module adapted for use between at least one optical fiber and a computer comprising:

a connector for electric connection with the computer;

a laser diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said laser diode module adapted to output a laser diode optical signal to the at least one optical fiber;

a laser diode driver to drive said laser diode module according to serial data received from the computer through said connector;

a photo diode module having a photo diode element and an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said photo diode element adapted to receive a photodiode optical signal from the at least one optical fiber and to convert said photodiode optical signal into a current signal;

an amplifier to convert said current signal into a voltage signal;

a shaping circuit to convert said voltage signal into a digital signal, said digital signal adapted to be transmitted as serial data to the computer through said connector, said amplifier being located between said photo diode element and said shaping circuit;

a sole circuit board to mount thereon, said connector, said laser diode module, said laser diode driver, said photo diode module, said amplifier and said shaping circuit;

a housing to accommodate said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

a module cap adapted to be inserted into at least one of light outlet and inlet openings defined by said housing and adapted to prevent dust from invading said laser diode module and said photo diode module.

82. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 81, wherein said module cap further comprises at least a projection to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

83. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 82, wherein at least a part of said projection is inserted into at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

84. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 83, wherein said projection is integrally formed with said module cap being made of resin.

85. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 81, wherein said module cap is adapted to be attached to said fiber optic module in a non-operative mode of said fiber optic module.

86. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 81, wherein said housing further comprises an indication part to indicate a satisfied specification of a laser safety standard.

87. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 86, wherein said laser diode optical signal and said photodiode optical signal are adapted to have a transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more.

88. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 87, wherein said module cap is made of resin, and further comprises a pair of projections adapted to be inserted into said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

89. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 86, wherein said indication part comprises a label.

90. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 89, wherein said module cap further comprises at least a projection adapted to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

91. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 86, wherein said module cap further comprises at least a projection adapted to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

92. A fiber optic module adapted for use between at least one optical fiber and a circuit board of a computer comprising:

a connector for electric connection with the circuit board of the computer;

a laser diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said laser diode module adapted to output a laser diode optical signal to the at least one optical fiber;

a laser diode driver to drive said laser diode module according to serial data received from the computer through said connector;

a photo diode module having a photo diode element and an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said photo diode element adapted to receive a photodiode optical signal from the at least one optical fiber and to convert said photodiode optical signal into a current signal;

an amplifier to convert said current signal into a voltage signal;

a shaping circuit to convert said voltage signal into a digital signal, said digital signal adapted to be transmitted as serial data to the computer through said connector, said amplifier being located between said photo diode element and said shaping circuit;

a sole circuit board to mount thereon, said connector, said laser diode module, said laser diode driver, said photo diode module, said amplifier and said shaping circuit;

a housing to accommodate said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

a supporting plate to fix said frame to the circuit board of the computer.

93. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 92, wherein said supporting plate is made of metallic material.

94. A fiber optic module adapted for use between at least one optical fiber and a circuit board of a computer comprising:

a connector for electric connection with the circuit board of the computer;

a laser diode module having an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said laser diode module adapted to output a laser diode optical signal to the at least one optical fiber, said laser diode optical signal having a transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a laser diode driver to drive said laser diode module according to serial data received from the computer through said connector;

a photo diode module having a photo diode element and an opening adapted for insertion of one of the at least one optical fiber, said photo diode element adapted to receive a photodiode optical signal from the at least one optical fiber and to convert said photodiode optical signal into a current signal, said photodiode optical signal having a transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

an amplifier to convert said current signal into a voltage signal;

a shaping circuit to convert said voltage signal into a digital signal, said digital signal adapted to be transmitted as serial data to the computer through said connector, said amplifier being located between said photo diode element and said shaping circuit;

a sole circuit board to mount thereon, said connector, said laser diode module, said laser diode driver, said photo diode module, said amplifier and said shaping circuit;

a housing to accommodate said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module, said housing comprising an indication part to indicate a satisfied specification of a laser safety standard;

a module cap adapted to be inserted into at least one of light outlet and inlet openings defined by said housing and adapted to prevent dust from invading said laser diode module and said photo diode module; and

a metallic supporting plate to fix said frame to the circuit board of the computer.

95. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 94, wherein said indication part comprises a label.

96. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 95, wherein module cap further comprises at least a projection to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

97. A fiber optic module as set forth in claim 94, wherein module cap further comprises at least a projection to oppose at least one of said opening of said laser diode module and said opening of said photo diode module.

98. An optical module to transmit serial data to and receive serial data from a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module to convert the laser diode electrical signal into a laser diode optical signal and transmit the laser diode optical signal, wherein the laser diode optical signal is transmitted at a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal and to convert the photo diode optical signal into a photo diode electrical signal, wherein the received photo diode optical signal has a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a photo diode electrical signal converter to receive the photo diode electrical signal from the photo diode module, to generate the serial data to be transmitted, wherein the serial data is based on the photo diode electrical signal, and to transmit the generated serial data to the serial connector;

a single circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface; and

a frame to at least partially encase the circuit board, the laser diode module and the photo diode module;

wherein the serial connector and the laser diode electrical signal converter are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board; and

the serial connector is positioned proximate to a second edge of the circuit board that is opposite the first edge of the circuit board.

99. The optical module of claim 98, wherein the photo diode electrical signal converter comprises a transformer impedance amplifier circuit integrated circuit and a shaping circuit integrated circuit.

100. The optical module of claim 99, wherein;

the photo diode module transfers a current signal as the photo diode electrical signal;

the transformer impedance amplifier circuit integrated circuit converts the current signal to a voltage signal; and

the shaping circuit integrated circuit converts the voltage signal to the serial data to be transmitted.

101. The optical module of claim 98, wherein the serial connector extends from the circuit board and comprises a plurality of pins.

102. The optical module of claim 101, wherein the plurality of pins are positioned substantially parallel to the second edge of the circuit board.

103. The optical module of claim 98, wherein the serial connector comprises a plurality of contacts located on a surface of the circuit board.

104. The optical module of claim 103, wherein the photo diode electrical signal converter is mounted on the circuit board.

105. The optical module of claim 104, wherein the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board through a plurality of leads.

106. The optical module of claim 105, wherein the optical module further comprises a metallic holder to fix the frame to the mother board, to protect the photo diode module from external electromagnetic noise and to reduce electromagnetic noise radiated from the laser diode module.

107. The optical module of claim 106, wherein the metallic holder comprises a fixing part to be engaged with the mother board.

108. The optical module of claim 104, wherein;

the plurality of contacts of the serial connector are located on the bottom surface of the circuit board; and

the laser diode electrical signal converter is mounted on the top surface of the circuit board.

109. The optical module of claim 108, wherein the photo diode electrical signal converter is mounted on the top surface of the circuit board.

110. The optical module of claim 108, wherein the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board through a plurality of leads.

111. The optical module of claim 104, wherein;

the plurality of contacts of the serial connector are located on the bottom surface of the circuit board; and

the photo diode electrical signal converter is mounted on the top surface of the circuit board.

112. The optical module of claim 98, wherein the optical module further comprises a metallic holder to fix the frame to the mother board, to protect the photo diode module from external electromagnetic noise and to reduce electromagnetic noise radiated from the laser diode module.

113. The optical module of claim 112, wherein the metallic holder comprises a fixing part to be engaged with the mother board.

114. A fiber optic module for transmitting serial data to and receiving serial data from a computer, the fiber optic module comprising:

a surface mount type connector for connecting the fiber optic module to a computer;

a laser diode driver to convert serial data received through said surface mount type connector to a laser diode electrical signal for a laser diode;

a laser diode module including said laser diode, to convert said laser diode electrical signal to a laser diode optical signal, said laser diode optical signal adapted for transmission to an optical fiber, said laser diode optical signal having a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal from an optical fiber, and to convert the photo diode optical signal to a photo diode electrical signal, said photo diode optical signal having a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a semiconductor integrated circuit to output a photo diode serial data according to said photo diode electrical signal, said photo diode serial data adapted for transmission through said surface mount type connector;

a sole circuit board to mount thereon said surface mount type connector, said laser diode driver, said laser diode module, said photo diode module and said semiconductor integrated circuit; and

a housing to accommodate said circuit board, said laser diode module and said photo diode module;

wherein said laser diode module and said photo diode module are mounted proximate to a first end of said circuit board, and said surface mount type connector is mounted proximate to a second end of said circuit board that is opposite said first end of said circuit board.

115. The fiber optic module of claim 114, wherein said surface mount type connector comprises a plurality of contacts located on a surface of said circuit board.

116. The fiber optic module of claim 115, wherein said laser diode module and said photo diode module are electrically connected to said circuit board through a plurality of leads.

117. The fiber optic module of claim 115, wherein;

said plurality of contacts of said surface mount type connector are located on a bottom surface of said circuit board; and

said laser diode driver is mounted on a top surface of said circuit board.

118. The fiber optic module of claim 117, wherein said semiconductor integrated circuit is mounted on said top surface of said circuit board.

119. The fiber optic module of claim 117, wherein said laser diode module and said photo diode module are electrically connected to said circuit board through a plurality of leads.

120. The fiber optic module of claim 117, wherein said optical module further comprises a metallic holder to fix said housing to the computer, to protect said photo diode module from external electromagnetic noise and to reduce electromagnetic noise radiated from said laser diode module.

121. The fiber optic module of claim 120, wherein said metallic holder comprises a fixing part to be engaged with the computer.

122. The fiber optic module of claim 115, wherein;

said plurality of contacts of said surface mount type connector are located on a bottom surface of said circuit board; and

said semiconductor integrated circuit is mounted on a top surface of said circuit board.

123. The fiber optic module of claim 114, wherein said optical module further comprises a metallic holder to fix said housing to the computer, to protect said photo diode module from external electromagnetic noise and to reduce electromagnetic noise radiated from said laser diode module.

124. The fiber optic module of claim 123, wherein said metallic holder comprises a fixing part to be engaged with the computer.

125. An optical module for transmitting and receiving serial data with a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module to convert the laser diode electrical signal into a laser diode optical signal and transmit the laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal and to convert the photo diode optical signal into a photo diode electrical signal;

a photo diode electrical signal converter to convert the photo diode electrical signal into the serial data to be transmitted to the motherboard;

a single circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface; and

a frame;

wherein the serial connector and the laser diode electrical signal converter are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board;

the frame at least partially encases the circuit board, the laser diode module and the photo diode module; and

the serial connector is positioned proximate to a second edge of the circuit board that is opposite the first edge of the circuit board.

126. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the laser diode module and the photo diode module are substantially thermally isolated from the circuit board.

127. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the laser diode module and the photo diode module are positioned such that they extend beyond the first edge of the circuit board.

128. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the laser diode module and the photo diode module are substantially separated from the circuit board.

129. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the laser diode module and the photo diode module are proximate to and substantially separate from the circuit board, and are electrically connected the circuit board through a plurality of leads.

130. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the laser diode module and the photo diode module are proximate to and substantially separate from the circuit board to reduce noise.

131. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the laser diode module and the photo diode module are located outside a perimeter of the top surface of the circuit board.

132. The optical module of claim 125 wherein the photo diode electrical signal converter is mounted on the circuit board.

133. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the serial connector extends from the circuit board and comprises a plurality of pins.

134. The optical module of claim 133, wherein the plurality of pins are positioned substantially parallel to the second edge of the circuit board.

135. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the serial connector is positioned substantially parallel to the second edge of the circuit board.

136. The optical module of claim 125, further comprising a module cap, wherein the module cap is removably attached to the frame such that the laser diode module and the photo diode module are at least partially covered by the module cap.

137. A method for protecting the optical module of claim 125, the method comprising removably attaching a module cap to the frame to protect the laser diode module and the photo diode module.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein the module cap is formed such that when the module cap is inserted into the frame the laser diode module and the photo diode module are at least partially inserted into the module cap.

139. The method of claim 137, wherein when the module cap is inserted into the frame, at least a portion of the module cap is inserted into each of the laser diode module and the photo diode module.

140. A method for protecting the optical module of claim 125, the method comprising removably attaching a module cap to the optical module to protect the laser diode module and the photo diode module.

141. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the photo diode optical signal has a data transmission rate of at least 1000 Mbits/s.

142. The optical module of claim 125, wherein the serial connector is surface mounted.

143. The optical module of claim 125, further comprising a metallic holder to fix the optical module to a motherboard, to protect the photo diode module from external electromagnetic noise and to reduce electromagnetic noise radiated from the laser diode module.

144. An optical module for transmitting and receiving serial data with a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode driver to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal and to drive a laser diode according to the laser diode electrical signal, producing a laser diode optical signal such that the laser diode transmits the laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal and to convert the photo diode optical signal into a photo diode electrical signal;

a photo diode electrical signal converter to convert the photo diode electrical signal into the serial data to be transmitted;

a single circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface; and

a frame;

wherein the serial connector and the laser diode electrical signal converter are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board;

the frame at least partially encases the circuit board, the laser diode module and the photo diode module; and

the serial connector is positioned proximate to and in parallel with a second edge of the circuit board that is opposite the first edge of the circuit board.

145. The optical module of claim 144, wherein the photo diode electrical signal converter is mounted on the circuit board.

146. The optical module of claim 144, wherein the photo diode optical signal has a data transmission rate of at least 1000 Mbits/s.

147. An optical module for transmitting and receiving serial data with a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module comprising a laser diode to produce and transmit a laser diode optical signal based on the laser diode electrical signal;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal and to convert the photo diode optical signal into a photo diode electrical signal;

a photo diode electrical signal converter to convert the photo diode electrical signal into the serial data to be transmitted;

a single circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface; and

a frame;

wherein the serial connector and the laser diode electrical signal converter are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board;

the frame at least partially encases the circuit board, the laser diode module and the photo diode module; and

the serial connector is positioned proximate to, and in parallel with, a second edge of the circuit board that is opposite the first edge of the circuit board.

148. The optical module of claim 147, wherein the photo diode electrical signal converter is mounted on the circuit board.

149. The optical module of claim 147, wherein the photo diode optical signal has a data transmission rate of at least 1000 Mbits/s.

150. An optical module to transmit serial data to and receive serial data from a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module to convert the laser diode electrical signal into a laser diode optical signal and transmit the laser diode optical signal, wherein the laser diode optical signal is transmitted at a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a photo diode to receive a photo diode optical signal and produce a photo diode current signal, wherein the received photo diode optical signal has a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the photo diode to produce serial data to be transmitted, wherein the serial data is based on the photo diode current signal, and to transmit the produced serial data to the serial connector;

a single circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface; and

a frame to at least partially encase the circuit board, the laser diode module and the integrated circuit;

wherein the serial connector, the laser diode electrical signal converter, and the integrated circuit are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode module and the photo diode are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board; and

the serial connector is positioned proximate to a second edge of the circuit board that is opposite the first edge of the circuit board.

151. An optical module to transmit serial data to and receive serial data from a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module to convert the laser diode electrical signal into a laser diode optical signal and transmit the laser diode optical signal, wherein the laser diode optical signal is transmitted at a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a photo diode to receive a photo diode optical signal and produce a current signal, wherein the received photo diode optical signal has a data transmission rate of 1000 Mbits/s or more;

a first converter to convert the current signal to a voltage signal;

a second converter to convert the voltage signal to serial data, wherein the serial data is based on the current signal, and to transmit the converted serial data to the serial connector;

a single circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface; and

a frame to at least partially encase the circuit board, the laser diode module and the second converter;

wherein the serial connector, the laser diode electrical signal converter, and the second converter are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode module and the photo diode are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board; and

the serial connector is positioned proximate to a second edge of the circuit board that is opposite the first edge of the circuit board.

152. An optical module to transmit serial data to and receive serial data from a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module to convert the laser diode electrical signal into a laser diode optical signal and transmit the laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal and to convert the photo diode optical signal into a photo diode electrical signal;

a photo diode electrical signal converter to receive the photo diode electrical signal from the photo diode module, generate the serial data to be transmitted, wherein the serial data is based on the photo diode electrical signal, and to transmit the generated serial data to the serial connector;

a single circuit board having a first surface and a second surface; and

a frame to at least partially encase the circuit board, the laser diode module and the photo diode module;

wherein the serial connector and the laser diode electrical signal converter are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board; and

the serial connector is positioned proximate to a second edge of the circuit board that is opposite the first edge of the circuit board.

153. The optical module of claim 152, further comprising at least one variable resistor to adjust the laser diode electrical signal.

154. The optical module of claim 152, wherein the laser diode optical signal has a wavelength of 780 nm.

155. The optical module of claim 152, wherein the laser diode optical signal is emitted with a maximum power of 5 mW.

156. An optical module to transmit serial data to and receive serial data from a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module to convert the laser diode electrical signal into a laser diode optical signal and transmit the laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal and to convert the photo diode optical signal into a photo diode electrical signal;

a photo diode electrical signal converter to receive the photo diode electrical signal from the photo diode module, generate the serial data to be transmitted, wherein the serial data is based on the photo diode electrical signal, and to transmit the generated serial data to the serial connector;

a single circuit board having a first surface and a second surface; and

a frame to at least partially encase the circuit board, the laser diode module and the photo diode module;

wherein the serial connector and the laser diode electrical signal converter are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board; and

a plurality of pins to mount the optical module to the motherboard are fixed to the frame.

157. The optical module of claim 156, wherein the pins are integrally fixed to the frame.

158. An optical module to transmit serial data to and receive serial data from a motherboard, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module to convert the laser diode electrical signal into a laser diode optical signal and transmit the laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal and to convert the photo diode optical signal into a photo diode electrical signal;

a photo diode electrical signal converter to receive the photo diode electrical signal from the photo diode module, generate the serial data to be transmitted, wherein the serial data is based on the photo diode electrical signal, and to transmit the generated serial data to the serial connector;

a single circuit board having a first surface and a second surface;

a frame to at least partially encase the circuit board, the laser diode module and the photo diode module;

a laser diode module shield to shield the laser diode module; and

a photo diode module shield to shield the photo diode module

wherein the serial connector and the laser diode electrical signal converter are mounted on the circuit board;

the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board proximate to a first edge of the circuit board; and

the serial connector is positioned proximate to a second edge of the circuit board that is opposite the first edge of the circuit board.

159. The optical module of claim 158, wherein the laser diode module shield and the photo diode module shield the laser diode module and the photo diode module, respectively, from electromagnetic and electrostatic noise.

160. An optical module to transmit serial data to and receive serial data from a motherboard, and to transmit optical data across an optical fiber having an optical plug, the optical module comprising:

a serial connector to transfer the serial data;

a laser diode electrical signal converter to convert the received serial data into a laser diode electrical signal;

a laser diode module to convert the laser diode electrical signal into a laser diode optical signal and transmit the laser diode optical signal;

a photo diode module to receive a photo diode optical signal and to convert the photo diode optical signal into a photo diode electrical signal;

a photo diode electrical signal converter to receive the photo diode electrical signal from the photo diode module, generate the serial data to be transmitted, wherein the serial data is based on the photo diode electrical signal, and to transmit the generated serial data to the serial connector;

a single circuit board having a first surface and a second surface;

a frame to at least partially encase the circuit board, the laser diode module and the photo diode module; and

a plurality of pawls to removably engage a fiber optic plug to the optical module;

wherein the serial connector and the laser diode electrical signal converter are mounted on the circuit board; and

the laser diode module and the photo diode module are electrically connected to the circuit board.

161. The optical module of claim 160, wherein the pawls are formed from the frame.