US20170108653A1 - Managed fiber connectivity systems - Google Patents
Managed fiber connectivity systems Download PDFInfo
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- US20170108653A1 US20170108653A1 US15/275,798 US201615275798A US2017108653A1 US 20170108653 A1 US20170108653 A1 US 20170108653A1 US 201615275798 A US201615275798 A US 201615275798A US 2017108653 A1 US2017108653 A1 US 2017108653A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- fiber optic
- optic connector
- storage device
- implementations
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3895—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs identification of connection, e.g. right plug to the right socket or full engagement of the mating parts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3825—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3826—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres characterised by form or shape
- G02B6/3831—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres characterised by form or shape comprising a keying element on the plug or adapter, e.g. to forbid wrong connection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3887—Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
- G06K7/10366—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K2007/10485—Arrangement of optical elements
Definitions
- communications devices can be used for switching, cross-connecting, and interconnecting communications signal transmission paths in a communications network. Some such communications devices are installed in one or more equipment racks to permit organized, high-density installations to be achieved in a limited space.
- Communications devices can be organized into communications networks, which typically include numerous logical communication links between various items of equipment. Often a single logical communication link is implemented using several pieces of physical communication media.
- a logical communication link between a computer and an inter-networking device such as a hub or router can be implemented as follows. A first cable connects the computer to a jack mounted in a wall. A second cable connects the wall-mounted jack to a port of a patch panel, and a third cable connects the inter-networking device to another port of a patch panel. A “patch cord” cross connects the two together.
- a single logical communication link is often implemented using several segments of physical communication media.
- NMS Network management systems
- NMS systems are typically aware of logical communication links that exist in a communications network, but typically do not have information about the specific physical layer media (e.g., the communications devices, cables, couplers, etc.) that are used to implement the logical communication links. Indeed, NMS systems typically do not have the ability to display or otherwise provide information about how logical communication links are implemented at the physical layer level.
- the present disclosure relates to optical adapters and optical connectors that provide physical layer management capabilities.
- the disclosure relates to SC-type optical adapters and SC-type optical connectors.
- a fiber optic connector includes an inner body, an outer body, and a storage device.
- the inner body is configured to retain a ferrule that extends longitudinally through the inner body.
- the inner body defines a recess that extends longitudinally along an exterior surface of the inner body.
- the outer body slideably received about the inner body.
- the outer body defines a cut-out extending rearwardly from a front of the outer body. The cut-out is aligned with the recess defined in the inner body.
- the storage device is disposed in the recess of the inner body. At least a portion of the storage device extends from the recess at least partially through the cut-out of the outer body.
- the storage device includes memory configured to store physical layer information.
- the storage device also includes at least one contact member that is electrically connected to the memory.
- a front edge of the storage device is disposed flush with a front edge of the inner body. In other implementations, a front edge of the storage device is disposed rearwardly offset with a front edge of the inner body.
- a fiber optic adapter module includes a housing, a cover, and a media reading interface.
- the housing defines at least one passageway extending between the front and the rear to define first and second ports.
- the housing is configured to retain a fiber optic connector at each port.
- the housing also defines at least a first opening leading through a first end wall to the passageway.
- the cover is configured to couple to the housing at the first end to cover the first opening.
- the cover and the housing cooperate to define an end wall at the first end of the housing.
- the cover defines a majority of the end wall.
- the cover defines at least one slot that extends along a central axis of the cover. The slot also extends through the cover to provide access between the passageway and an exterior of the housing when the cover is mounted to the housing.
- the first media reading interface is positioned in the cover and has at least a first contact location and a second contact location.
- the first media reading interface is configured so that the second contact location is accessible from within the passageway and the first contact locations is accessible through the slot from the exterior of the housing when the cover is coupled to the housing.
- a cover arrangement for mounting to an optical adapter includes a cover body and at least a first contact member of a first media reading interface.
- the cover body defines at least a first slot that extends in a forward-rearward direction along a central longitudinal axis of the cover body.
- the first slot extends through two planar surfaces of the cover.
- the first contact member of the first media reading interface is disposed in the first slot.
- the first contact member has a first moveable section and a second moveable section.
- the first moveable section is configured to extend through the first slot past a first of the planar surfaces.
- the second moveable section is configured to extend through the first slot past a second of the planar surfaces.
- inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a communications management system that includes PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one high-level example of a coupler assembly and media reading interface that are suitable for use in the management system of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 illustrates a first example implementation of a connector system including a first example optical adapter and fiber optic connectors having PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality;
- FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an SC-type optical connector on which a storage device is flush-mounted to provide PLI and PLM functionality;
- FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of the optical connector of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an example storage device suitable for mounting to any of the optical connectors disclosed herein;
- FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the storage device of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 illustrates one example contact member of a media reading interface suitable for use with any optical adapter disclosed herein;
- FIG. 10 illustrates a second example implementation of an SC-type optical connector suitable for use in a system having PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality;
- FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of another example implementation of an SC-type adapter receiving two of the SC connectors of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the front of the SC optical connector shown in FIG. 10 with another example storage device mounted thereto;
- FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an example SC optical connector including an embedded storage device
- FIG. 14 shows the storage device and a cover exploded from the SC optical connector of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a front end view of the SC-type optical connector of FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of an example LC connector having a rear slot for receiving a memory storage device.
- FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another example LC connector having a rear slot for receiving a memory storage device.
- an example communications and data management system includes at least part of a communications network along which communications signals pass.
- Media segments connect equipment of the communications network.
- media segments include optical cables, electrical cables, and hybrid cables. This disclosure will focus on optical media segments.
- the media segments may be terminated with optical plug connectors, media converters, or other optical termination components.
- the communications and data management system provides physical layer information (PLI) functionality as well as physical layer management (PLM) functionality.
- PLI functionality refers to the ability of a physical component or system to identify or otherwise associate physical layer information with some or all of the physical components used to implement the physical layer of the system.
- PLM functionality refers to the ability of a component or system to manipulate or to enable others to manipulate the physical components used to implement the physical layer of the system (e.g., to track what is connected to each component, to trace connections that are made using the components, or to provide visual indications to a user at a selected component).
- physical layer information refers to information about the identity, attributes, and/or status of the physical components used to implement the physical layer of the communications system.
- Physical layer information of the communications system can include media information, device information, and location information.
- Media information refers to physical layer information pertaining to cables, plugs, connectors, and other such physical media.
- Non-limiting examples of media information include a part number, a serial number, a plug type, a conductor type, a cable length, cable polarity, a cable pass-through capacity, a date of manufacture, a manufacturing lot number, the color or shape of the plug connector, an insertion count, and testing or performance information.
- Device information refers to physical layer information pertaining to the communications panels, inter-networking devices, media converters, computers, servers, wall outlets, and other physical communications devices to which the media segments attach.
- Location information refers to physical layer information pertaining to a physical layout of a building or buildings in which the network is deployed.
- one or more of the components (e.g., media segments, equipment, etc.) of the communications network are configured to store physical layer information pertaining to the component as will be disclosed in more detail herein.
- Some components include media reading interfaces that are configured to read stored physical layer information from the components. The physical layer information obtained by the media reading interface may be communicated over the network for processing and/or storage.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one example implementation of a communications management system 200 that includes PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality.
- the management system 200 comprises a plurality of connector assemblies 202 (e.g., patch panels, blades, optical adapters, electrical jacks, media converters, transceivers, etc.), connected to an IP network 218 .
- Each connector assembly 202 includes one or more ports 204 , each of which is configured to receive a media segment for connection to other media segments or equipment of the management system 200 .
- optical connector assemblies 202 and optical media segments will be described. In other implementations, however, electrical connector assemblies and media segments may be used.
- At least some of the connector assemblies 202 are designed for use with optical cables that have physical layer information stored in or on them.
- the physical layer information is configured to be read by a programmable processor 206 associated with one or more connector assemblies 202 .
- the programmable processor 206 communicates with memory of an optical cable using a media reading interface 208 .
- each of the ports 204 of the connector assemblies 202 includes a respective media reading interface 208 .
- a single media reading interface 208 may correspond to two or more ports 204 .
- each connector assembly 202 includes its own respective programmable processor 206 and its own respective network interface 216 that is used to communicatively couple that connector assembly 202 to an Internet Protocol (IP) network 218 .
- IP Internet Protocol
- connector assemblies 202 are grouped together in proximity to each other (e.g., in a rack, rack system, patch panel, chassis, or equipment closet).
- Each connector assembly 202 of the group includes its own respective programmable processor 206 .
- not all of the connector assemblies 202 include their own respective network interfaces 216 .
- some of the connector assemblies 202 in the group include their own programmable processors 206 and network interfaces 216 , while others of the connector assemblies 202 (e.g., slaves”) do not include their own programmable processors 206 or network interfaces 216 .
- Each programmable processor 206 is able to carry out the PLM functions for both the connector assembly 202 of which it is a part and any of the slave connector assemblies 202 to which the master connector assembly 202 is connected via the local connections.
- each of the connector assemblies 202 in a group includes its own “slave” programmable processors 206 .
- Each slave programmable processor 206 is configured to manage the media reading interfaces 208 to determine if physical communication media segments are attached to the port 204 and to read the physical layer information stored in or on the attached physical communication media segments (if the attached segments have such information stored therein or thereon).
- Each of the slave programmable processors 206 in the group also is communicatively coupled to a common “master” programmable processor 217 .
- the master processor 217 communicates the physical layer information read from by the slave processors 206 to devices that are coupled to the IP network 218 .
- the master programmable processor 217 may be coupled to a network interface 216 that couples the master processor 217 to the IP network 218 .
- the communications management system 200 includes functionality that enables the physical layer information captured by the connector assemblies 202 to be used by application-layer functionality outside of the traditional physical-layer management application domain.
- the management system 200 may include an aggregation point 220 that is communicatively coupled to the connector assemblies 202 via the IP network 218 .
- the aggregation point 220 can be implemented on a standalone network node or can be integrated along with other network functionality.
- the aggregation point 220 includes functionality that obtains physical layer information from the connector assemblies 202 (and other devices) and stores the physical layer information in a data store.
- the aggregation point 220 also can be used to obtain other types of physical layer information.
- this information can be provided to the aggregation point 220 , for example, by manually entering such information into a file (e.g., a spreadsheet) and then uploading the file to the aggregation point 220 (e.g., using a web browser) in connection with the initial installation of each of the various items.
- a file e.g., a spreadsheet
- Such information can also, for example, be directly entered using a user interface provided by the aggregation point 220 (e.g., using a web browser).
- the management system 200 also may include a network management system (NMS) 230 includes PLI functionality 232 that is configured to retrieve physical layer information from the aggregation point 220 and provide it to the other parts of the NMS 230 for use thereby.
- the NMS 230 uses the retrieved physical layer information to perform one or more network management functions.
- the NMS 230 communicates with the aggregation point 220 over the IP network 218 .
- the NMS 230 may be directly connected to the aggregation point 220 .
- An application 234 executing on a computer 236 also can use the API implemented by the aggregation point 220 to access the PLI information maintained by the aggregation point 220 (e.g., to retrieve such information from the aggregation point 220 and/or to supply such information to the aggregation point 220 ).
- the computer 236 is coupled to the IP network 218 and accesses the aggregation point 220 over the IP network 218 .
- One or more inter-networking devices 238 used to implement the IP network 218 include physical layer information (PLI) functionality 240 .
- the PLI functionality 240 of the inter-networking device 238 is configured to retrieve physical layer information from the aggregation point 220 and use the retrieved physical layer information to perform one or more inter-networking functions.
- Examples of inter-networking functions include Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 (of the OSI model) inter-networking functions such as the routing, switching, repeating, bridging, and grooming of communication traffic that is received at the inter-networking device.
- example communications management system 200 can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/025,841, filed Feb. 11, 2011, and titled “Managed Fiber Connectivity Systems,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one example connector assembly 110 configured to collect physical layer information from a connector arrangement 120 terminating a media segment 122 .
- the example connector assembly 120 of FIG. 2 is configured to connect segments of optical physical communications media in a physical layer management system.
- the connector assembly 110 includes a fiber optic adapter defining at least one connection opening 111 having a first port end 112 and a second port end 114 .
- a sleeve (e.g., a split sleeve) 103 is arranged within the connection opening 111 of the adapter 110 between the first and second port ends 112 , 114 .
- Each port end 112 , 114 is configured to receive a connector arrangement as will be described in more detail herein.
- a first example segment of optical physical communication media includes a first optical fiber 122 terminated by a first connector arrangement 120 .
- a second example segment of optical physical communication media includes a second optical fiber 132 terminated by a second connector arrangement 130 .
- the first connector arrangement 120 is plugged into the first port end 112 and the second connector arrangement 130 is plugged into the second port end 114 .
- Each fiber connector arrangement 120 , 130 includes a ferrule 124 , 134 through which optical signals from the optical fiber 122 , 132 , respectively, pass.
- the ferrules 124 , 134 of the connector arrangements 120 , 130 are aligned by the sleeve 103 when the connector arrangements 120 , 130 are inserted into the connection opening 111 of the adapter 110 . Aligning the ferrules 124 , 134 provides optical coupling between the optical fibers 122 , 132 .
- each segment of optical physical communication media e.g., each optical fiber 122 , 132
- the aligned ferrules 124 , 134 of the connector arrangements 120 , 130 create an optical path along which the communication signals may be carried.
- the first connector arrangement 120 may include a storage device 125 that is configured to store physical layer information (e.g., an identifier and/or attribute information) pertaining to the segment of physical communications media (e.g., the first connector arrangement 120 and/or the fiber optic cable 122 terminated thereby).
- the connector arrangement 130 also includes a storage device 135 that is configured to store information (e.g., an identifier and/or attribute information) pertaining to the second connector arrangement 130 and/or the second optic cable 132 terminated thereby.
- each of the storage devices 125 , 135 is implemented using an EEPROM (e.g., a PCB surface-mount EEPROM). In other implementations, the storage devices 125 , 135 are implemented using other non-volatile memory device. Each storage device 125 , 135 is arranged and configured so that it does not interfere or interact with the communications signals communicated over the media segments 122 , 132 .
- the adapter 110 is coupled to at least a first media reading interface 116 . In certain implementations, the adapter 110 also is coupled to at least a second media interface 118 . In some implementations, the adapter 110 is coupled to multiple media reading interfaces. In certain implementations, the adapter 110 includes a media reading interface for each port end defined by the adapter 110 . In other implementations, the adapter 110 includes a media reading interface for each connection opening 111 defined by the adapter 110 . In still other implementations, the adapter 110 includes a media reading interface for each connector arrangement that the adapter 110 is configured to receive. In still other implementations, the adapter 110 includes a media reading interface for only a portion of the connector arrangement that the adapter 110 is configured to receive.
- the first media reading interface 116 is mounted to a printed circuit board 115 .
- the first media reading interface 116 of the printed circuit board 115 is associated with the first port end 112 of the adapter 110 .
- the printed circuit board 115 also can include the second media reading interface 118 .
- the second media reading interface 1818 is associated with the second port end 114 of the adapter 110 .
- the printed circuit board 115 of the connector assembly 110 can be communicatively connected to one or more programmable processors (e.g., processors 216 of FIG. 1 ) and/or to one or more network interfaces (e.g., network interfaces 216 of FIG. 1 ).
- the network interface may be configured to send the physical layer information to a physical layer management network (e.g., see IP network 218 of FIG. 1 ).
- one or more such processors and interfaces can be arranged as components on the printed circuit board 115 .
- one or more such processor and interfaces can be arranged on separate circuit boards that are coupled together.
- the printed circuit board 115 can couple to other circuit boards via a card edge type connection, a connector-to-connector type connection, a cable connection, etc.
- the first media reading interface 1816 is configured to enable reading (e.g., by the processor) of the information stored in the storage device 125 .
- the information read from the first connector arrangement 120 can be transferred through the printed circuit board 115 to a physical layer management network, e.g., network 218 of FIG. 1 , etc.
- the second media reading interface 118 is configured to enable reading (e.g., by the processor) of the information stored in the storage device 135 .
- the information read from the second connector arrangement 130 can be transferred through the printed circuit board 115 or another circuit board to the physical layer management network.
- the storage devices 125 , 135 and the media reading interfaces 116 , 118 each comprise three (3) leads—a power lead, a ground lead, and a data lead.
- the three leads of the storage devices 125 , 135 come into electrical contact with three (3) corresponding leads of the media reading interfaces 116 , 118 when the corresponding media segment is inserted in the corresponding port.
- a two-line interface is used with a simple charge pump.
- additional leads can be provided (e.g., for potential future applications).
- the storage devices 125 , 135 and the media reading interfaces 116 , 118 may each include four (4) leads, five (5) leads, six (6) leads, etc.
- FIGS. 4-5 illustrate an example implementation of a connector system 300 that can be utilized on a connector assembly (e.g., a communications panel) having PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality.
- a connector assembly e.g., a communications panel
- One example connector assembly on which the connector system 300 can be implemented is a bladed chassis. Examples of bladed chassis can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/025,750, filed Feb. 11, 2011, and titled “Communications Bladed Panel System,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the connector system 300 includes at least one example communications coupler assembly 310 and at least two connector arrangements 320 .
- the communications coupler assembly 310 is configured to be mounted to a connector assembly, such as a communications blade or a communications panel.
- a connector assembly such as a communications blade or a communications panel.
- One or more connector arrangements 320 which each terminate at least one segment of communications media 325 ( FIG. 4 ), are configured to communicatively couple to other segments of physical communications media at the coupler assembly 310 (e.g., see FIG. 3 ). Accordingly, communications data signals carried by a media segment 325 terminated by a first connector arrangement 320 can be propagated to another media segment (e.g., terminated by a second connector arrangement 320 ) through the communications coupler assembly 310 .
- each communications coupler assembly 310 is configured to form a single link between segments of physical communications media.
- each communications coupler assembly 310 can define a single passage at which a first connector arrangement 320 A is coupled to a second connector arrangement 320 B (see FIG. 3 ).
- each communications coupler assembly 310 is configured to form two or more links between segments 325 of physical communications media.
- each connector arrangement 320 is configured to terminate a single segment of physical communications media.
- each connector arrangement 320 can include a single optical connector that terminate a single optical fiber 325 or a single electrical conductor.
- each connector arrangement 320 includes a single SC-type fiber optic connector 320 that terminates a single optical fiber 325 (see FIG. 4 ).
- the connector 320 can be an LC-type, an ST-type, an FC-type, an LX.5-type, etc.
- FIG. 4 is a front perspective view an example fiber optic connector arrangement 320 including an SC-type connector.
- the connector 320 includes an outer body 321 surrounding an inner body 322 .
- the inner body 322 holds a ferrule 323 , which retains an optical fiber 325 .
- the outer body 321 is configured to move relative to the inner body 322 along a longitudinal axis L of the ferrule 323 .
- the ferrule 323 also is configured to move within the inner body 322 against a spring bias.
- a boot 324 extends rearwardly from the outer connector body 321 to provide bend protection to the optical fiber 325 .
- the boot 324 may be secured between the outer body 321 and the inner body 322 .
- the outer housing 321 defines two slots 329 on opposite sides thereof through which raised portions of the inner housing 322 are visible.
- the outer housing 321 also defines a key 328 located on a side perpendicular to the sides containing the slots 329 .
- the key 328 is configured to engage a keyway of coupler assembly 310 to properly position the connector 320 at a port of the coupler assembly 310 .
- the outer body 321 also includes a knurled handle or other grip section at a rear of the outer body 321 .
- the grip section defines a textured surface (e.g., ridges).
- Each connector arrangement 320 is configured to store physical layer information.
- a storage device 330 ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) may be installed on or in the fiber optic connector 320 .
- One example storage device 330 includes a printed circuit board 331 on which memory circuitry can be arranged. Electrical contacts 332 also may be arranged on the printed circuit board 331 for interaction with a media reading interface of the communications coupler assembly 310 (described in more detail herein).
- the storage device 330 includes an EEPROM circuit 333 arranged on the printed circuit board 331 . In other implementations, however, the storage device 330 can include any suitable type of non-volatile memory.
- the storage device 330 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes generally planar contacts 332 positioned on a generally planar circuit board 331 .
- the contacts extend over an elongated dimension of the board 331 .
- the board 331 may have a square geometry or the contacts may be otherwise arranged on the board.
- Memory 333 ( FIG. 8 ) of the storage device 330 which is located on the non-visible side of the board in FIGS. 4 and 7 , is accessed by engaging the tops of the contacts 332 with one or more electrically conductive contact members of a media reading interface (e.g., media reading interface 116 of FIG. 2 ).
- the contact member slides or wipes across the memory contacts 332 .
- the contacts 332 have the same length. In other implementations, one or more of the contacts 332 may have different lengths. In some implementations, the contacts 332 have the same shape. For example, in some implementation, the contacts 332 may be generally rounded at one or both ends of the contact members. In other implementations, one or more of the contacts 332 may have different shapes. For example, in certain implementations, some of the contacts 332 are straight and some of the contacts 332 are generally L-shaped. In one example implementation, the L-shaped contacts may be longer than the rounded end contacts. In some implementations, the contacts 332 may be positioned in a staggered configuration. In other implementations, the contacts 332 may be laterally aligned.
- the inner body 322 of the connector 320 may define a recessed section 326 in which the storage device 330 may be disposed.
- the cavity 326 faces away from the key 328 of the outer body 321 .
- the cavity 326 may be provided on the same side as the key 328 .
- the cavity 326 is formed at a front, center location of the connector 320 .
- the cavity 326 may open to a front side of the connector 320 .
- a front edge of the circuit board 331 may be disposed flush with a front edge of the inner body 322 when the storage device 330 is mounted at the cavity 326 .
- the cavity 326 may be formed at a front location laterally offset from the center.
- the cavity 326 is formed by a depression in a side of the inner body 322 (e.g., the side opposite the key 328 ).
- the depression is generally sized and configured to receive the printed circuit board 331 of the storage device 330 .
- the cavity 326 has a stepped configuration to facilitate positioning of the storage device 330 .
- a well may be formed at one location in the depression. The well is sufficiently deep to accommodate an EEPROM circuit 333 coupled to one side of the circuit board 331 .
- the depression may be sufficiently deep to enable electrical contacts 332 provided on the circuit board 331 to be generally flush with the outer surface of the inner body 322 .
- the depression is shallow so that a top of the printed circuit board 331 extends outwardly from the inner body 322 .
- the outer body 321 may define a cut-out 327 that is sized to accommodate the storage device 330 (e.g., see FIGS. 4 and 5 ).
- the cut-out 327 aligns with the depression 326 in the inner body so that the cut-out 327 accommodates the storage device 330 .
- the cut-out 327 may be formed by removing a front, center portion of the outer body 321 to enable the storage device 330 to extend through the outer body 321 .
- the cut-out 327 extends sufficiently rearward to accommodate rearward movement of the storage device 330 relative to the outer body 321 (e.g., when the inner body 322 moves relative to the outer body 321 ).
- FIGS. 3 and 6 show one example implementation of a communications coupler assembly 310 implemented as a fiber optic adapter.
- the example communications coupler assembly 310 includes an adapter housing 311 defining one or more passages configured to align and interface two or more fiber optic connectors 320 .
- one or more passages can be configured to communicatively couple together a fiber optic connector 320 with a media converter (not shown) to convert the optical data signals into electrical data signals, wireless data signals, or other such data signals.
- the communications coupler assembly 310 can include an electrical termination block that is configured to receive punch-down wires, electrical plugs (e.g., for electrical jacks), or other types of electrical connectors.
- the example adapter housing 311 includes opposing side walls interconnected by at least one end wall.
- the side walls and end walls each extend between a front end and a rear end.
- the adapter housing 311 defines one or more axial passages extending between the front and rear ends.
- Each passage defines a first port 313 and a second port 314 at the front and rear ends, respectively.
- Each port 313 , 314 is configured to receive a connector 320 .
- the adapter housing 311 defines a single axial passage. In other implementations, however, the adapter housing 311 may define one, two, three, six, eight, ten, twelve, sixteen, or even more axial passages.
- Sleeves (e.g., split sleeves) 319 may be positioned within the axial passages to receive and align the ferrules 323 of fiber optic connectors 320 (see FIG. 6 ).
- the sleeve 319 is monolithically formed with the adapter housing 311 .
- one of the end walls of the adapter housing 311 defines an opening 312 leading to the axial passage (see FIG. 3 ).
- the opening 312 in the end wall may enable an injection molding machine access to the axial passage to form the sleeve 319 .
- a cover 315 may be coupled (e.g., latched, welded, fastened, adhered, etc.) to the adapter housing 311 to close the opening 312 and protect the interior of the adapter housing 311 .
- the sleeve 319 is formed separately from the adapter housing 311 and subsequently inserted into the axial passage through the opening 312 .
- neither of the end walls defines an opening 312 . Rather, the sleeve 319 may be inserted into the axial passage through one of the ports 313 , 314 .
- One or more guides may be defined at an interior of adapter housing 311 .
- the guides which extend longitudinally along the interior corners of the axial passage, guide the fiber optic connector 320 through the port 313 , 314 .
- the guides may define ramped entry surfaces to facilitate insertion of the connector 320 within the adapter passage.
- One of the end walls of the adapter housing 311 defines at least one keyway 317 sized and shaped to receive a corresponding key 328 of the SC-type fiber optic connector 320 (see FIG. 6 ).
- a keyway 317 is defined in the end wall at both ports 313 , 314 (e.g., see FIG. 6 ).
- flanges may extend outwardly from the side walls of the adapter housing 311 (see FIG. 3 ). The flanges aid in supporting the adapter housing 311 on or against a planar surface, such as that of a bulkhead.
- one or both side walls of the adapter housing 1210 also include a flexible cantilever arm defining outwardly protruding tabs that are configured to cooperate with the flanges to capture the adapter housing 311 against a bulkhead.
- the side walls of the adapter housing 311 define solid surfaces.
- recesses may be provided in the side walls to permit the use of alternative fasteners, such as a flexible clip.
- the coupler assembly 310 includes one or more media reading interfaces 318 (see FIG. 6 ). Each media reading interface 318 is configured to acquire the physical layer information from the storage device 330 of a fiber optic connector 320 plugged into the fiber optic adapter 310 .
- the adapter housing 310 can hold or retain a media reading interface 318 for each passage.
- the adapter housing 310 can hold or retain a media reading interface 318 for each port 313 , 314 of each passage.
- the adapter 310 shown in FIG. 6 includes a first media reading interface 318 associated with the front port 313 of the passage and a second media reading interface 318 associated with the rear port of the passage.
- the adapter housing 310 can include a media reading interface 318 associated with each set of passages that accommodate a duplex connector arrangement 310 .
- the adapter housing 310 can include any desired combination of front and rear media reading interfaces 318 .
- the orientation of the first media reading interface 318 is flipped 180° from the orientation of the second media reading interface 318 .
- the first media reading interface 318 is laterally offset from the second media reading interface 318 .
- the first and second media reading interfaces 318 may be positioned side-by-side.
- the first and second media reading interfaces 318 may be axially aligned.
- the first and second media reading interfaces 318 may be laterally aligned.
- the first media reading interfaces 318 may be offset towards the front of the adapter housing 310 and the second media reading interface 318 may be offset towards the rear of the adapter housing 310 .
- each media reading interface 318 is formed from one or more contact members 340 ( FIG. 9 ).
- the media reading interface 318 includes at least a first contact member 340 that transfers power, at least a second contact member 340 that transfers data, and at least a third contact member 340 that provides grounding.
- the media reading interface 318 includes a fourth contact member 340 .
- the media reading interface 318 include greater or fewer contact members 340 .
- the cover 315 defines slots 316 configured to receive one or more contact members 340 . At least a portion of each slot 316 extends through the cover 315 to the axial passage of the adapter housing 311 . In some implementations, the entirety of each slot 316 extends through the cover 315 from top to bottom. In other implementations, only portions of the slot 316 extend from the top to the bottom of the cover 315 . For example, each slot 316 may define a recess in the top surface of the cover 315 in which the contact members can be positioned. Openings defined in a bottom of the cover 315 enable portions of the contact members 340 to extend into a respective adapter passageway.
- the media reading interfaces 318 are positioned in the slots 316 of the cover 315 to connect a storage device 330 of a connector 3210 received at the adapter housing 310 with a circuit board coupled to the adapter housing 310 .
- a circuit board may be secured (e.g., via fasteners) to the adapter housing 310 so as to extend over the slots 316 of the cover 315 .
- Each media reading interface 318 held by the cover 315 extends between the circuit board and a respective axial passage of the adapter housing 310 .
- Portions of each contact member 340 engage tracings and contacts on the circuit board. Other portions of the contact members 340 engage the electrical contacts 332 of the storage members 330 attached to any connector 320 plugged into the adapter housing 310 .
- the circuit board electrically connects to a data processor and/or to a network interface (e.g., the processor 217 and network interface 216 of FIG. 1 ). It is further to be understood that multiple adapter housings 310 can be connected to the printed circuit board within a connector assembly (e.g., a bladed panel). A processor coupled to the circuit board can access the memory 333 of each connector arrangement 320 coupled to the adapter housing 310 through corresponding ones of the contact members 340 , 332 .
- the slots 316 of the cover 315 are sized to hold individual contacts 340 .
- the adapter housing 311 has internal structure that holds the contacts 340 in the slots 316 .
- the slots 316 position the contact members 340 in alignment with the contact pads 332 of a connector storage device 330 mounted to a connector 320 received at the adapter housing 310 .
- the slots 316 may be separated by intermediate walls to inhibit touching between adjacent contact members 340 .
- all of the contact members 340 in a single media reading interface 318 may be retained in a single slot 316 .
- the slots 316 are sized to accommodate multiple contact members 340 mounted to a support body.
- the contact members 340 of a single media reading interface 318 are positioned in a staggered configuration. For example, alternating ones of the contact members 340 are moved axially forward or axially rearward.
- the slots 316 accommodating the staggered contact members 340 also are staggered (e.g., in a front to rear direction). In other implementations, however, the slots 316 may have a common length.
- the front and rear ends of the contact members 340 of a single media reading interface 318 are transversely aligned within similarly transversely aligned slots 316 .
- the cover 315 is sufficiently thick to enable the media reading interface contacts 340 to be substantially positioned in the cover 315 .
- the material height of the cover 315 is at least 0.76 mm (0.03 inches). Indeed, in some implementations, the material height of the cover 315 is at least 1.02 mm (0.04 inches). In certain implementations, the material height of the cover 315 is at least 1.27 mm (0.05 inches).
- a height H 1 ( FIG. 27 ) of the adapter housing 310 is at least 9.4 mm. In certain implementations, the height H 1 is at least 10 mm. Indeed, in certain implementations, the height H 1 is at least 10 mm. In one example implementation, the height H 1 is about 10.4 mm.
- the slots 316 for accommodating the media reading interface 318 may be defined in the adapter housing 311 instead of in the cover 315 .
- the slots 316 may be defined in a side wall of the adapter housing 311 located opposite the cover 315 .
- certain types of adapters 310 do not include a cover 315 .
- Some such example implementations include a monolithic adapter housing.
- Other such example implementations include two-piece (e.g., front and rear) housings.
- the slots 316 may be defined in two or more side walls of the adapter housing 311 .
- Each contact member 340 includes at least two moveable (e.g., flexible) contact sections defining contact surfaces.
- one or more contact members 340 include three moveable (e.g., flexible) contact sections. The flexibility of the contact sections provides tolerance for differences in spacing between the contact member 340 and the adapter printed circuit board.
- Certain types of contact members 340 also include at least one stationary contact having a contact surface. For example, each contact member 340 may have two stationary contact sections. The ability of the first contact section to flex relative to the stationary contact provides tolerance for placement of the contact member 340 relative to the circuit board.
- the first moveable contact section and the stationary contact sections extend through the adapter slot 316 to engage the adapter circuit board.
- the second moveable contact section is configured to extend into the axial passage of the adapter housing 310 and engage a connector 320 plugged into one of the ports 313 , 314 . If a storage device 330 is installed on the connector 320 , then the second contact surface is configured to engage the contact pads 332 of the storage device 330 .
- the third moveable contact section selectively extends through the slot 316 and engages the adapter circuit board.
- the third contact section may be configured to engage the circuit board only when a connector 320 is plugged into the port 313 , 314 corresponding with the contact member 340 .
- the third contact section may be resiliently biased to extend within the adapter housing 310 .
- certain types of contact members 340 may include a resilient section that transfers force applied to second moveable contact section to the third moveable contact section. Accordingly, the resilient section may transfers a force pushing the second section towards the slot 316 to the third section, thereby pushing the third contact section through the slot 316 (e.g., toward the circuit board).
- a circumferential edge of each contact member 340 defines the contact surface of each contact section.
- the edge has a substantially continuous thickness.
- the thickness ranges from about 0.05 inches to about 0.005 inches. In some implementation, the thickness is less than about 0.012 inches. In one example implementation, the thickness is about 0.008 inches. In other implementations, the thickness may vary across the body of the contact member 340 .
- the contact member 340 is formed monolithically (e.g., from a continuous sheet of metal or other material).
- the contact member 340 may be manufactured by cutting a planar sheet of metal or other material.
- the contact member 340 may be manufactured by etching a planar sheet of metal or other material.
- the contact member 340 may be manufactured by laser trimming a planar sheet of metal or other material.
- the contact member 340 may be manufactured by stamping a planar sheet of metal or other material.
- the contact member 340 may be formed from wire stock.
- the contact member 340 shown and described herein is formed from a single piece. In other implementations, however, two or more separate pieces may operate together to perform the functions of the contact member 340 .
- a first piece may form the first moveable contact section and a second piece may form the third moveable contact section. Either of the pieces may form the second moveable contact section. Insertion of a connector 320 into a respective port of the adapter housing 310 may push one of the pieces into electrical contact with the other of the pieces to electrically connect the first and second contact sections.
- the connector ferrule 323 is received within one end of the ferrule sleeve 319 inside the adapter housing 310 .
- the connector 320 may be releasably locked to the housing 310 .
- flexible latching hooks disposed within the interior of the housing 310 may engage the slots 329 defined in the outer body 321 of the connector 320 to releasably hold the connector 320 at the adapter port 313 , 314 .
- the connector 320 includes a storage device 330
- the contacts 332 of the storage device 330 are configured to align with the slots 316 defined in the adapter housing 310 . Accordingly, the media reading interface contact members 340 held within the slots 316 align with the contacts 332 of the connector storage device 330 to establish an electrical connection between the storage device 330 and the adapter circuit board.
- each media reading interface 318 of the adapter 310 is configured to detect the presence of a connector arrangement 320 plugged into a port 313 , 314 of the adapter housing 310 .
- the contact members 340 of a media reading interface 318 can function as presence detection sensors or trigger switches.
- the contact members 340 of a media reading interface 318 are configured to form a complete circuit with the adapter circuit board only when a connector 320 is plugged into a respective port 313 , 314 .
- each contact member 340 may contact the circuit board only after being pushed toward the circuit board by a connector 320 received at the adapter 310 .
- the connector 320 may push the contact members 340 away from the circuit board or from a shorting rod. In accordance with other aspects, however, certain types of contact members 340 may form a complete circuit with the circuit board regardless of whether a connector 320 is received at the adapter 310 .
- a processor e.g., processor 217 of FIG. 2
- the processor can communicate with the memory circuitry 333 on the connector storage device 330 via the contact members 340 and the printed circuit board.
- the processor is configured to obtain physical layer information from the connector storage device 330 .
- the processor is configured to write physical layer information to the connector storage device 330 .
- the processor is configured to delete physical layer information from the connector storage device 330 .
- the processor detects the presence or absence of a connector 320 at each port 313 , 314 .
- the slidable outer body 321 of the connector 320 is slid axially relative to the inner body 322 away from the adapter housing 310 until the flexible latching hooks of the adapter housing 310 are released from the slots 329 defined on the outer body 321 of the connector 320 .
- the connector 320 may be slide rearwardly through the port 313 , 314 to remove the connector 320 from the adapter housing 310 .
- Removing the connector 320 from the port 313 , 314 releases the second moveable contact portion of the contact member 340 , thereby allowing the third moveable contact portion to move back to the initial position.
- Dropping the third moveable contact portion disengages the third contact surface from the circuit board, thereby interrupting the circuit created by the contact member 340 .
- Interrupting the circuit enables a processor connected to the circuit board to determine that the connector 320 has been removed from the port 313 , 314 .
- the storage device 330 is not moved out of alignment with the media reading interface 318 until the connector 320 is released. In other implementations, however, moving the outer body 321 rearwardly applies sufficient force to the inner body 322 to move the storage device 330 out of alignment with the media reading interface 318 .
- FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another example implementation of a connector system 400 ( FIG. 11 ) that can be utilized on a connector assembly (e.g., a communications panel) having PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality.
- the connector system 400 includes at least one example optical adapter 410 and at least two optical connector arrangements 420 .
- the optical connector 420 shown is an SC-type optical connector having an outer body 421 that is axially moveable relative to an inner body 422 .
- the inner body 422 holds a ferrule 423 through which at least one optical fiber extends.
- the optical connector 420 shown in FIGS. 10-12 is substantially the same as the optical connector 320 disclosed above, except for certain features discussed below.
- a storage device 430 is coupled to the connector 420 at a recessed portion 426 of the inner body 422 .
- the location on the inner body 422 at which the storage device 430 is disposed is rearwardly offset compared to the location of the storage device 330 on the inner body 322 of the optical connector 320 disclosed above.
- a front edge of the storage device 430 is rearwardly offset from the front edge of the inner body 422 .
- the recess does not extend sufficiently forward to open through the front edge of the inner body 422 .
- the optical adapter 410 shown in FIG. 11 is substantially the same as the optical adapter 310 disclosed above, except for certain features discussed below.
- the axial positioning of the storage device 330 , 430 on the inner body 322 , 422 of the connector 320 , 420 determines or is influenced by the axial positioning of the media reading interfaces 318 in the adapter 310 , 410 . Accordingly, the slots 416 defined in the adapter 410 shown in FIG. 11 are spaced farther apart in the axial direction as compared to the slots 316 of the adapter 320 shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates another example storage device 450 disposed on the optical connector 420 of FIG. 10 .
- the storage device 450 is offset rearwardly from a front of the inner body 422 of the connector 420 .
- the storage device 450 includes contacts 452 disposed on one side of a printed circuit board 451 .
- the memory e.g., EEPROM
- the memory can be disposed on the same side of the circuit board 451 as the contacts 452 .
- the contacts 452 are uniformly disposed on the board 451 . In the example shown in FIG. 12 , however, two of the contacts are shorter than another two of the contacts. Also in the example shown, two of the contacts are L-shaped and two of the contacts extend in a straight line. In other implementations, however, other types of contacts 452 may be disposed on the circuit board 451 . For example, square contacts may be arranged in a grid pattern.
- the embodiments described above make use of a contact-based interface for reading from and/or writing information to a storage device 330 attached to the connector 320 , 420 .
- contact-less or wireless interfaces also can be used with the optical systems described above.
- RFID technology is used.
- the storage device 330 , 430 attached to the connector 320 , 420 is implemented as an RFID tag.
- the storage device 330 does not include an EEPROM 333 and contacts 332 . Rather, the RFID tag includes memory and an antenna.
- the adapter contacts 340 of the media reading interfaces 318 , 418 are replaced with an RFID coil or antenna.
- the RFID coils in the adapter ports are connected to one or more RFID readers (using a suitable multiplexing mechanism if needed).
- the RFID reader In order to read information from an RFID tag, the RFID reader outputs an RF interrogation signal via the RFID coil associated with the appropriate adapter port.
- the RFID reader may output such an RF interrogation signal in response to an optical connector 320 , 420 being inserted into the adapter port 313 , 314 , 413 , 414 .
- the RFID tag on the optical connector receives the RFID interrogation signal, which causes the RFID tag to power on, to retrieve information (e.g., physical layer information) stored in the RFID tag, and to transmit the read information.
- the transmission from the RFID tag is received by the RFID reader using the RFID coil in the adapter port.
- the information included in such transmissions can be provided to a controller included in the patch panel or other optical system associated with the adapter 310 , 410 .
- the information also can be communicated to the aggregation point 220 in an IP network 218 as described above.
- Other contact-less or wireless embodiments can be implemented in other ways.
- FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another example optical connector 500 having a storage device 525 .
- the optical connector 500 has a front 501 , a rear 502 , a first side 503 , a second side 504 , a top 505 , and a bottom 506 .
- the connector 500 includes an outer body 510 defining grip surfaces 514 and a connection mechanism 516 .
- a grip surface 514 and a connection component can be formed on each side 503 , 504 of the outer body 510 .
- An inner body is configured to move (e.g., slide) relative to the outer body 510 .
- An optical fiber tip is held at the inner body and accessible from the front 501 of the connector 500 (e.g., via a ferrule).
- a dust cap 515 covers the optical fiber tip.
- a strain-relief boot 518 can extend rearwardly from the outer body 510 .
- the storage device 525 is disposed internally within the connector body 510 .
- the connector body 510 can define a storage compartment 520 to hold the storage device 525 .
- the storage compartment 520 includes a cavity 521 extending into the connector body 510 from the front 501 .
- the cavity 521 is defined in the connector body 510 between the top 505 of the body 510 and the internal passage in which the optical fiber is disposed.
- the connector body 510 forms shelves 522 that partially define the cavity 521 .
- a notch 523 can be provided in the connector body 510 at the front 501 to be continuous with the cavity 521 .
- the shelves 522 are separated by a gap 524 (see FIG. 15 ).
- the inner body also defines a gap 519 .
- the gaps 519 , 524 provide sufficient room to inhibit interference between the shelves 522 and other components.
- the gaps 519 , 524 enable components within an optical adapter to fit with the connector 500 .
- the gaps 519 , 524 provide sufficient room for a split sleeve or other structure disposed within an optical adapter to surround the optical tip of the connector 500 when the connector 500 is received at a port of the optical adapter.
- the gaps 519 , 524 provide sufficient room for a dust cap to be mounted over the optical tip.
- the storage device 525 is configured to be advanced into the cavity 521 from the front 501 of the connector 500 (see FIG. 14 ).
- the storage device 525 can be slid edge-wise into the cavity 521 along the shelves 522 .
- a plug piece 526 can be coupled to the connector body 510 to close the storage device 525 within the cavity 521 .
- the plug piece 526 can be welded, glued, overmolded, or otherwise secured to the body 510 .
- the plug piece 526 includes a front member 527 that extends across the opening to the cavity 521 , two arms 528 extending rearwardly from the front member 527 , and a lug 529 that extends outwardly from the front member 527 .
- the arms 528 are sized and configured to slide into the cavity 521 on opposite sides of the storage device 525 .
- the lug 529 is sized and configured to fit within the notch 523 .
- the storage device 525 can be glued into position within the cavity 525 .
- the storage device 525 can be held into position using a vacuum until the plug piece 526 is added.
- the storage device 525 includes an RFID tag. In such implementations, the storage device 525 can be fully sealed within the connector body 510 . In other implementations, the storage device 525 includes a circuit board including memory and contact pads. In such implementations, openings are defined in the top 505 of the connector body 500 to provide access to the contact pads.
- a cavity can be defined in the top surface 505 of the connector body 510 .
- the storage device 525 can be disposed within the cavity.
- a cover can be added to close the cavity.
- the storage device 525 can be glued into position within the cavity.
- the storage device 525 can be held into position using a vacuum until a cover is added.
- the cavity section of the connector body 510 and storage device 525 can be overmolded (e.g., using injection molded plastic) to close the cavity.
- the storage device 525 includes an RFID tag that can be sealed within the cavity by the cover.
- the storage device 525 can include a circuit board including memory and contact pads. In such implementations, the contact pads are left accessible through the cover. For example, the contact pads can be pressed against the mold during an overmolding process to prevent the contact pads from being overmolded.
- FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate various example LC connectors 600 , 650 having rear slots sized and configured to hold a storage device (e.g., an RFID tag, a circuit board and EEPROM, etc.).
- the LC connector 600 includes a single-piece body 610 including a latch 615 for securing the connector 600 to an adapter.
- the body 610 also includes a trigger 616 to facilitate depression of the latch 615 .
- a distal tip of an optical fiber protrudes from a front of the body 610 and an optical cable extends from a rear of the body 610 .
- a strain-relief boot can be mounted to the rear of the body 610 .
- the body 610 defines a slot 620 leading to a cavity defined in the body 610 of the connector 600 .
- the cavity opens into a longitudinal bore extending through the connector body 610 .
- the cavity is separate from the bore.
- a storage device can be inserted edge-wise within the cavity and the slot 620 can be closed.
- the slot 620 can be overmolded shut.
- a plug can be inserted into the slot 620 .
- the boot can cover the slot 620 .
- FIG. 17 shows an LC connector 650 having a two-piece housing including a front housing piece 652 and a rear housing piece 654 .
- the front housing piece 652 includes a latch 665 and the rear housing piece 654 includes a trigger 666 .
- a slot (e.g., slot 620 ) can be defined in the rear housing piece 654 .
- the slot leads to a cavity in the rear housing piece 654 .
- the storage device can be inserted edge-wise within the cavity and the slot can be sealed to close the storage device within the cavity.
- the slot can be overmolded shut.
- a plug can be inserted into the slot.
- the boot can cover the slot.
Abstract
A communications connection system includes an SC fiber optic connector including a storage device having memory configured to store physical layer information. The storage device also includes electrical contacts or an RFID antenna coil connected to the memory for transmitting information to a management system. The communications connection system also includes a fiber optic adapter module having one or more media reading interfaces. Each media reading interface is configured to read physical layer information stored on one of the fiber optic connectors received at the adapter module. Example media reading interfaces include electrical contacts and RFID readers.
Description
- This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/939,826, filed Jul. 11, 2013, which application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/670,366, filed Jul. 11, 2012, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- In communications infrastructure installations, a variety of communications devices can be used for switching, cross-connecting, and interconnecting communications signal transmission paths in a communications network. Some such communications devices are installed in one or more equipment racks to permit organized, high-density installations to be achieved in a limited space.
- Communications devices can be organized into communications networks, which typically include numerous logical communication links between various items of equipment. Often a single logical communication link is implemented using several pieces of physical communication media. For example, a logical communication link between a computer and an inter-networking device such as a hub or router can be implemented as follows. A first cable connects the computer to a jack mounted in a wall. A second cable connects the wall-mounted jack to a port of a patch panel, and a third cable connects the inter-networking device to another port of a patch panel. A “patch cord” cross connects the two together. In other words, a single logical communication link is often implemented using several segments of physical communication media.
- Network management systems (NMS) are typically aware of logical communication links that exist in a communications network, but typically do not have information about the specific physical layer media (e.g., the communications devices, cables, couplers, etc.) that are used to implement the logical communication links. Indeed, NMS systems typically do not have the ability to display or otherwise provide information about how logical communication links are implemented at the physical layer level.
- The present disclosure relates to optical adapters and optical connectors that provide physical layer management capabilities. In accordance with certain aspects, the disclosure relates to SC-type optical adapters and SC-type optical connectors.
- In some implementations, a fiber optic connector includes an inner body, an outer body, and a storage device. The inner body is configured to retain a ferrule that extends longitudinally through the inner body. The inner body defines a recess that extends longitudinally along an exterior surface of the inner body. The outer body slideably received about the inner body. The outer body defines a cut-out extending rearwardly from a front of the outer body. The cut-out is aligned with the recess defined in the inner body. The storage device is disposed in the recess of the inner body. At least a portion of the storage device extends from the recess at least partially through the cut-out of the outer body. The storage device includes memory configured to store physical layer information. The storage device also includes at least one contact member that is electrically connected to the memory.
- In certain implementations, a front edge of the storage device is disposed flush with a front edge of the inner body. In other implementations, a front edge of the storage device is disposed rearwardly offset with a front edge of the inner body.
- A fiber optic adapter module includes a housing, a cover, and a media reading interface. The housing defines at least one passageway extending between the front and the rear to define first and second ports. The housing is configured to retain a fiber optic connector at each port. The housing also defines at least a first opening leading through a first end wall to the passageway. The cover is configured to couple to the housing at the first end to cover the first opening. The cover and the housing cooperate to define an end wall at the first end of the housing. The cover defines a majority of the end wall. The cover defines at least one slot that extends along a central axis of the cover. The slot also extends through the cover to provide access between the passageway and an exterior of the housing when the cover is mounted to the housing. The first media reading interface is positioned in the cover and has at least a first contact location and a second contact location. The first media reading interface is configured so that the second contact location is accessible from within the passageway and the first contact locations is accessible through the slot from the exterior of the housing when the cover is coupled to the housing.
- In accordance with other aspects, a cover arrangement for mounting to an optical adapter includes a cover body and at least a first contact member of a first media reading interface. The cover body defines at least a first slot that extends in a forward-rearward direction along a central longitudinal axis of the cover body. The first slot extends through two planar surfaces of the cover. The first contact member of the first media reading interface is disposed in the first slot. The first contact member has a first moveable section and a second moveable section. The first moveable section is configured to extend through the first slot past a first of the planar surfaces. The second moveable section is configured to extend through the first slot past a second of the planar surfaces.
- A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a communications management system that includes PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one high-level example of a coupler assembly and media reading interface that are suitable for use in the management system ofFIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a first example implementation of a connector system including a first example optical adapter and fiber optic connectors having PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality; -
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an SC-type optical connector on which a storage device is flush-mounted to provide PLI and PLM functionality; -
FIG. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of the optical connector ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of the connector system ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an example storage device suitable for mounting to any of the optical connectors disclosed herein; -
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the storage device ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 illustrates one example contact member of a media reading interface suitable for use with any optical adapter disclosed herein; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a second example implementation of an SC-type optical connector suitable for use in a system having PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality; -
FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of another example implementation of an SC-type adapter receiving two of the SC connectors ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the front of the SC optical connector shown inFIG. 10 with another example storage device mounted thereto; -
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an example SC optical connector including an embedded storage device; -
FIG. 14 shows the storage device and a cover exploded from the SC optical connector ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a front end view of the SC-type optical connector ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of an example LC connector having a rear slot for receiving a memory storage device; and -
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another example LC connector having a rear slot for receiving a memory storage device. - Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, an example communications and data management system includes at least part of a communications network along which communications signals pass. Media segments connect equipment of the communications network. Non-limiting examples of media segments include optical cables, electrical cables, and hybrid cables. This disclosure will focus on optical media segments. The media segments may be terminated with optical plug connectors, media converters, or other optical termination components.
- In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the communications and data management system provides physical layer information (PLI) functionality as well as physical layer management (PLM) functionality. As the term is used herein, “PLI functionality” refers to the ability of a physical component or system to identify or otherwise associate physical layer information with some or all of the physical components used to implement the physical layer of the system. As the term is used herein, “PLM functionality” refers to the ability of a component or system to manipulate or to enable others to manipulate the physical components used to implement the physical layer of the system (e.g., to track what is connected to each component, to trace connections that are made using the components, or to provide visual indications to a user at a selected component).
- As the term is used herein, “physical layer information” refers to information about the identity, attributes, and/or status of the physical components used to implement the physical layer of the communications system. Physical layer information of the communications system can include media information, device information, and location information. Media information refers to physical layer information pertaining to cables, plugs, connectors, and other such physical media. Non-limiting examples of media information include a part number, a serial number, a plug type, a conductor type, a cable length, cable polarity, a cable pass-through capacity, a date of manufacture, a manufacturing lot number, the color or shape of the plug connector, an insertion count, and testing or performance information. Device information refers to physical layer information pertaining to the communications panels, inter-networking devices, media converters, computers, servers, wall outlets, and other physical communications devices to which the media segments attach. Location information refers to physical layer information pertaining to a physical layout of a building or buildings in which the network is deployed.
- In accordance with some aspects, one or more of the components (e.g., media segments, equipment, etc.) of the communications network are configured to store physical layer information pertaining to the component as will be disclosed in more detail herein. Some components include media reading interfaces that are configured to read stored physical layer information from the components. The physical layer information obtained by the media reading interface may be communicated over the network for processing and/or storage.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one example implementation of acommunications management system 200 that includes PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality. Themanagement system 200 comprises a plurality of connector assemblies 202 (e.g., patch panels, blades, optical adapters, electrical jacks, media converters, transceivers, etc.), connected to anIP network 218. Eachconnector assembly 202 includes one ormore ports 204, each of which is configured to receive a media segment for connection to other media segments or equipment of themanagement system 200. For the purposes of this disclosure,optical connector assemblies 202 and optical media segments will be described. In other implementations, however, electrical connector assemblies and media segments may be used. - At least some of the
connector assemblies 202 are designed for use with optical cables that have physical layer information stored in or on them. The physical layer information is configured to be read by aprogrammable processor 206 associated with one ormore connector assemblies 202. In general, theprogrammable processor 206 communicates with memory of an optical cable using amedia reading interface 208. In some implementations, each of theports 204 of theconnector assemblies 202 includes a respectivemedia reading interface 208. In other implementations, a singlemedia reading interface 208 may correspond to two ormore ports 204. - In
FIG. 1 , four example types of connector assembly configurations 210, 212, 214, and 215 are shown. In the first connector assembly configuration 210, eachconnector assembly 202 includes its own respectiveprogrammable processor 206 and its ownrespective network interface 216 that is used to communicatively couple thatconnector assembly 202 to an Internet Protocol (IP)network 218. In the second type of connector assembly configuration 212,connector assemblies 202 are grouped together in proximity to each other (e.g., in a rack, rack system, patch panel, chassis, or equipment closet). Eachconnector assembly 202 of the group includes its own respectiveprogrammable processor 206. However, not all of theconnector assemblies 202 include their own respective network interfaces 216. - In the third type of connector assembly configuration 214, some of the connector assemblies 202 (e.g., “masters”) in the group include their own
programmable processors 206 andnetwork interfaces 216, while others of the connector assemblies 202 (e.g., slaves”) do not include their ownprogrammable processors 206 or network interfaces 216. Eachprogrammable processor 206 is able to carry out the PLM functions for both theconnector assembly 202 of which it is a part and any of theslave connector assemblies 202 to which themaster connector assembly 202 is connected via the local connections. - In the fourth type of connector assembly configuration 215, each of the
connector assemblies 202 in a group includes its own “slave”programmable processors 206. Each slaveprogrammable processor 206 is configured to manage the media reading interfaces 208 to determine if physical communication media segments are attached to theport 204 and to read the physical layer information stored in or on the attached physical communication media segments (if the attached segments have such information stored therein or thereon). Each of the slaveprogrammable processors 206 in the group also is communicatively coupled to a common “master”programmable processor 217. Themaster processor 217 communicates the physical layer information read from by theslave processors 206 to devices that are coupled to theIP network 218. For example, the masterprogrammable processor 217 may be coupled to anetwork interface 216 that couples themaster processor 217 to theIP network 218. - In accordance with some aspects, the
communications management system 200 includes functionality that enables the physical layer information captured by theconnector assemblies 202 to be used by application-layer functionality outside of the traditional physical-layer management application domain. For example, themanagement system 200 may include anaggregation point 220 that is communicatively coupled to theconnector assemblies 202 via theIP network 218. Theaggregation point 220 can be implemented on a standalone network node or can be integrated along with other network functionality. - The
aggregation point 220 includes functionality that obtains physical layer information from the connector assemblies 202 (and other devices) and stores the physical layer information in a data store. Theaggregation point 220 also can be used to obtain other types of physical layer information. For example, this information can be provided to theaggregation point 220, for example, by manually entering such information into a file (e.g., a spreadsheet) and then uploading the file to the aggregation point 220 (e.g., using a web browser) in connection with the initial installation of each of the various items. Such information can also, for example, be directly entered using a user interface provided by the aggregation point 220 (e.g., using a web browser). - The
management system 200 also may include a network management system (NMS) 230 includesPLI functionality 232 that is configured to retrieve physical layer information from theaggregation point 220 and provide it to the other parts of theNMS 230 for use thereby. TheNMS 230 uses the retrieved physical layer information to perform one or more network management functions. In certain implementations, theNMS 230 communicates with theaggregation point 220 over theIP network 218. In other implementations, theNMS 230 may be directly connected to theaggregation point 220. - An
application 234 executing on acomputer 236 also can use the API implemented by theaggregation point 220 to access the PLI information maintained by the aggregation point 220 (e.g., to retrieve such information from theaggregation point 220 and/or to supply such information to the aggregation point 220). Thecomputer 236 is coupled to theIP network 218 and accesses theaggregation point 220 over theIP network 218. - One or more
inter-networking devices 238 used to implement theIP network 218 include physical layer information (PLI)functionality 240. ThePLI functionality 240 of theinter-networking device 238 is configured to retrieve physical layer information from theaggregation point 220 and use the retrieved physical layer information to perform one or more inter-networking functions. Examples of inter-networking functions include Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 (of the OSI model) inter-networking functions such as the routing, switching, repeating, bridging, and grooming of communication traffic that is received at the inter-networking device. - Additional details pertaining to example
communications management system 200 can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/025,841, filed Feb. 11, 2011, and titled “Managed Fiber Connectivity Systems,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of oneexample connector assembly 110 configured to collect physical layer information from aconnector arrangement 120 terminating amedia segment 122. Theexample connector assembly 120 ofFIG. 2 is configured to connect segments of optical physical communications media in a physical layer management system. Theconnector assembly 110 includes a fiber optic adapter defining at least oneconnection opening 111 having afirst port end 112 and asecond port end 114. A sleeve (e.g., a split sleeve) 103 is arranged within theconnection opening 111 of theadapter 110 between the first and second port ends 112, 114. Eachport end - A first example segment of optical physical communication media includes a first
optical fiber 122 terminated by afirst connector arrangement 120. A second example segment of optical physical communication media includes a secondoptical fiber 132 terminated by asecond connector arrangement 130. Thefirst connector arrangement 120 is plugged into thefirst port end 112 and thesecond connector arrangement 130 is plugged into thesecond port end 114. Eachfiber connector arrangement ferrule optical fiber - The
ferrules connector arrangements sleeve 103 when theconnector arrangements connection opening 111 of theadapter 110. Aligning theferrules optical fibers optical fiber 122, 132) carries communication signals. The alignedferrules connector arrangements - In some implementations, the
first connector arrangement 120 may include astorage device 125 that is configured to store physical layer information (e.g., an identifier and/or attribute information) pertaining to the segment of physical communications media (e.g., thefirst connector arrangement 120 and/or thefiber optic cable 122 terminated thereby). In some implementations, theconnector arrangement 130 also includes astorage device 135 that is configured to store information (e.g., an identifier and/or attribute information) pertaining to thesecond connector arrangement 130 and/or thesecond optic cable 132 terminated thereby. - In one implementation, each of the
storage devices storage devices storage device media segments - In accordance with some aspects, the
adapter 110 is coupled to at least a firstmedia reading interface 116. In certain implementations, theadapter 110 also is coupled to at least asecond media interface 118. In some implementations, theadapter 110 is coupled to multiple media reading interfaces. In certain implementations, theadapter 110 includes a media reading interface for each port end defined by theadapter 110. In other implementations, theadapter 110 includes a media reading interface for each connection opening 111 defined by theadapter 110. In still other implementations, theadapter 110 includes a media reading interface for each connector arrangement that theadapter 110 is configured to receive. In still other implementations, theadapter 110 includes a media reading interface for only a portion of the connector arrangement that theadapter 110 is configured to receive. - In some implementations, at least the first
media reading interface 116 is mounted to a printedcircuit board 115. In the example shown, the firstmedia reading interface 116 of the printedcircuit board 115 is associated with thefirst port end 112 of theadapter 110. In some implementations, the printedcircuit board 115 also can include the secondmedia reading interface 118. In one such implementation, the second media reading interface 1818 is associated with thesecond port end 114 of theadapter 110. - The printed
circuit board 115 of theconnector assembly 110 can be communicatively connected to one or more programmable processors (e.g.,processors 216 ofFIG. 1 ) and/or to one or more network interfaces (e.g., network interfaces 216 ofFIG. 1 ). The network interface may be configured to send the physical layer information to a physical layer management network (e.g., seeIP network 218 ofFIG. 1 ). In one implementation, one or more such processors and interfaces can be arranged as components on the printedcircuit board 115. In another implementation, one or more such processor and interfaces can be arranged on separate circuit boards that are coupled together. For example, the printedcircuit board 115 can couple to other circuit boards via a card edge type connection, a connector-to-connector type connection, a cable connection, etc. - When the
first connector arrangement 120 is received in thefirst port end 112 of theadapter 110, the first media reading interface 1816 is configured to enable reading (e.g., by the processor) of the information stored in thestorage device 125. The information read from thefirst connector arrangement 120 can be transferred through the printedcircuit board 115 to a physical layer management network, e.g.,network 218 ofFIG. 1 , etc. When thesecond connector arrangement 130 is received in thesecond port end 114 of theadapter 110, the secondmedia reading interface 118 is configured to enable reading (e.g., by the processor) of the information stored in thestorage device 135. The information read from thesecond connector arrangement 130 can be transferred through the printedcircuit board 115 or another circuit board to the physical layer management network. - In some such implementations, the
storage devices storage devices storage devices -
FIGS. 4-5 illustrate an example implementation of aconnector system 300 that can be utilized on a connector assembly (e.g., a communications panel) having PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality. One example connector assembly on which theconnector system 300 can be implemented is a bladed chassis. Examples of bladed chassis can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/025,750, filed Feb. 11, 2011, and titled “Communications Bladed Panel System,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Theconnector system 300 includes at least one examplecommunications coupler assembly 310 and at least two connector arrangements 320. - The
communications coupler assembly 310 is configured to be mounted to a connector assembly, such as a communications blade or a communications panel. One or more connector arrangements 320, which each terminate at least one segment of communications media 325 (FIG. 4 ), are configured to communicatively couple to other segments of physical communications media at the coupler assembly 310 (e.g., seeFIG. 3 ). Accordingly, communications data signals carried by amedia segment 325 terminated by a first connector arrangement 320 can be propagated to another media segment (e.g., terminated by a second connector arrangement 320) through thecommunications coupler assembly 310. - In accordance with some aspects, each
communications coupler assembly 310 is configured to form a single link between segments of physical communications media. For example, eachcommunications coupler assembly 310 can define a single passage at which afirst connector arrangement 320A is coupled to asecond connector arrangement 320B (seeFIG. 3 ). In accordance with other aspects, however, eachcommunications coupler assembly 310 is configured to form two or more links betweensegments 325 of physical communications media. - In accordance with some aspects, each connector arrangement 320 is configured to terminate a single segment of physical communications media. For example, each connector arrangement 320 can include a single optical connector that terminate a single
optical fiber 325 or a single electrical conductor. In one example implementation, each connector arrangement 320 includes a single SC-type fiber optic connector 320 that terminates a single optical fiber 325 (seeFIG. 4 ). In other implementations, the connector 320 can be an LC-type, an ST-type, an FC-type, an LX.5-type, etc. -
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view an example fiber optic connector arrangement 320 including an SC-type connector. The connector 320 includes anouter body 321 surrounding aninner body 322. Theinner body 322 holds aferrule 323, which retains anoptical fiber 325. Theouter body 321 is configured to move relative to theinner body 322 along a longitudinal axis L of theferrule 323. Theferrule 323 also is configured to move within theinner body 322 against a spring bias. Aboot 324 extends rearwardly from theouter connector body 321 to provide bend protection to theoptical fiber 325. For example, theboot 324 may be secured between theouter body 321 and theinner body 322. - The
outer housing 321 defines twoslots 329 on opposite sides thereof through which raised portions of theinner housing 322 are visible. Theouter housing 321 also defines a key 328 located on a side perpendicular to the sides containing theslots 329. The key 328 is configured to engage a keyway ofcoupler assembly 310 to properly position the connector 320 at a port of thecoupler assembly 310. Theouter body 321 also includes a knurled handle or other grip section at a rear of theouter body 321. In certain implementations, the grip section defines a textured surface (e.g., ridges). - Additional details regarding an example connector 320 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, issued May 31, 1994 to Beard et al., and titled “One-Piece SC Adapter,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- Each connector arrangement 320 is configured to store physical layer information. For example, a storage device 330 (
FIGS. 7 and 8 ) may be installed on or in the fiber optic connector 320. Oneexample storage device 330 includes a printedcircuit board 331 on which memory circuitry can be arranged.Electrical contacts 332 also may be arranged on the printedcircuit board 331 for interaction with a media reading interface of the communications coupler assembly 310 (described in more detail herein). In one example implementation, thestorage device 330 includes anEEPROM circuit 333 arranged on the printedcircuit board 331. In other implementations, however, thestorage device 330 can include any suitable type of non-volatile memory. - The
storage device 330 shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 includes generallyplanar contacts 332 positioned on a generallyplanar circuit board 331. In the example shown, the contacts extend over an elongated dimension of theboard 331. In other implementations, however, theboard 331 may have a square geometry or the contacts may be otherwise arranged on the board. Memory 333 (FIG. 8 ) of thestorage device 330, which is located on the non-visible side of the board inFIGS. 4 and 7 , is accessed by engaging the tops of thecontacts 332 with one or more electrically conductive contact members of a media reading interface (e.g.,media reading interface 116 ofFIG. 2 ). In certain implementations, the contact member slides or wipes across thememory contacts 332. - In some implementations, the
contacts 332 have the same length. In other implementations, one or more of thecontacts 332 may have different lengths. In some implementations, thecontacts 332 have the same shape. For example, in some implementation, thecontacts 332 may be generally rounded at one or both ends of the contact members. In other implementations, one or more of thecontacts 332 may have different shapes. For example, in certain implementations, some of thecontacts 332 are straight and some of thecontacts 332 are generally L-shaped. In one example implementation, the L-shaped contacts may be longer than the rounded end contacts. In some implementations, thecontacts 332 may be positioned in a staggered configuration. In other implementations, thecontacts 332 may be laterally aligned. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 , theinner body 322 of the connector 320 may define a recessedsection 326 in which thestorage device 330 may be disposed. In some implementations, thecavity 326 faces away from the key 328 of theouter body 321. In another implementation, thecavity 326 may be provided on the same side as the key 328. In some implementations, thecavity 326 is formed at a front, center location of the connector 320. For example, thecavity 326 may open to a front side of the connector 320. In some such implementations, a front edge of thecircuit board 331 may be disposed flush with a front edge of theinner body 322 when thestorage device 330 is mounted at thecavity 326. In other implementations, thecavity 326 may be formed at a front location laterally offset from the center. - In the example shown, the
cavity 326 is formed by a depression in a side of the inner body 322 (e.g., the side opposite the key 328). The depression is generally sized and configured to receive the printedcircuit board 331 of thestorage device 330. In some implementations, thecavity 326 has a stepped configuration to facilitate positioning of thestorage device 330. For example, a well may be formed at one location in the depression. The well is sufficiently deep to accommodate anEEPROM circuit 333 coupled to one side of thecircuit board 331. In some implementations, the depression may be sufficiently deep to enableelectrical contacts 332 provided on thecircuit board 331 to be generally flush with the outer surface of theinner body 322. - In other implementations, however, the depression is shallow so that a top of the printed
circuit board 331 extends outwardly from theinner body 322. In such implementations, theouter body 321 may define a cut-out 327 that is sized to accommodate the storage device 330 (e.g., seeFIGS. 4 and 5 ). The cut-out 327 aligns with thedepression 326 in the inner body so that the cut-out 327 accommodates thestorage device 330. For example, the cut-out 327 may be formed by removing a front, center portion of theouter body 321 to enable thestorage device 330 to extend through theouter body 321. In certain implementations, the cut-out 327 extends sufficiently rearward to accommodate rearward movement of thestorage device 330 relative to the outer body 321 (e.g., when theinner body 322 moves relative to the outer body 321). -
FIGS. 3 and 6 show one example implementation of acommunications coupler assembly 310 implemented as a fiber optic adapter. The examplecommunications coupler assembly 310 includes anadapter housing 311 defining one or more passages configured to align and interface two or more fiber optic connectors 320. In other example implementations, however, one or more passages can be configured to communicatively couple together a fiber optic connector 320 with a media converter (not shown) to convert the optical data signals into electrical data signals, wireless data signals, or other such data signals. In still other implementations, thecommunications coupler assembly 310 can include an electrical termination block that is configured to receive punch-down wires, electrical plugs (e.g., for electrical jacks), or other types of electrical connectors. - The
example adapter housing 311 includes opposing side walls interconnected by at least one end wall. The side walls and end walls each extend between a front end and a rear end. Theadapter housing 311 defines one or more axial passages extending between the front and rear ends. Each passage defines afirst port 313 and asecond port 314 at the front and rear ends, respectively. Eachport adapter housing 311 defines a single axial passage. In other implementations, however, theadapter housing 311 may define one, two, three, six, eight, ten, twelve, sixteen, or even more axial passages. - Sleeves (e.g., split sleeves) 319 may be positioned within the axial passages to receive and align the
ferrules 323 of fiber optic connectors 320 (seeFIG. 6 ). In some implementations, thesleeve 319 is monolithically formed with theadapter housing 311. For example, in some implementations, one of the end walls of theadapter housing 311 defines anopening 312 leading to the axial passage (seeFIG. 3 ). Theopening 312 in the end wall may enable an injection molding machine access to the axial passage to form thesleeve 319. Acover 315 may be coupled (e.g., latched, welded, fastened, adhered, etc.) to theadapter housing 311 to close theopening 312 and protect the interior of theadapter housing 311. In other implementations, thesleeve 319 is formed separately from theadapter housing 311 and subsequently inserted into the axial passage through theopening 312. In still other implementations, neither of the end walls defines anopening 312. Rather, thesleeve 319 may be inserted into the axial passage through one of theports - One or more guides may be defined at an interior of
adapter housing 311. The guides, which extend longitudinally along the interior corners of the axial passage, guide the fiber optic connector 320 through theport adapter housing 311 defines at least onekeyway 317 sized and shaped to receive acorresponding key 328 of the SC-type fiber optic connector 320 (seeFIG. 6 ). In certain implementations, akeyway 317 is defined in the end wall at bothports 313, 314 (e.g., seeFIG. 6 ). - In some implementations, flanges may extend outwardly from the side walls of the adapter housing 311 (see
FIG. 3 ). The flanges aid in supporting theadapter housing 311 on or against a planar surface, such as that of a bulkhead. In some implementations, one or both side walls of the adapter housing 1210 also include a flexible cantilever arm defining outwardly protruding tabs that are configured to cooperate with the flanges to capture theadapter housing 311 against a bulkhead. In other implementations, the side walls of theadapter housing 311 define solid surfaces. In still other implementations, recesses may be provided in the side walls to permit the use of alternative fasteners, such as a flexible clip. - The
coupler assembly 310 includes one or more media reading interfaces 318 (seeFIG. 6 ). Eachmedia reading interface 318 is configured to acquire the physical layer information from thestorage device 330 of a fiber optic connector 320 plugged into thefiber optic adapter 310. For example, in one implementation, theadapter housing 310 can hold or retain amedia reading interface 318 for each passage. In another implementation, theadapter housing 310 can hold or retain amedia reading interface 318 for eachport adapter 310 shown inFIG. 6 includes a firstmedia reading interface 318 associated with thefront port 313 of the passage and a secondmedia reading interface 318 associated with the rear port of the passage. In still other implementations, theadapter housing 310 can include amedia reading interface 318 associated with each set of passages that accommodate aduplex connector arrangement 310. In other implementations, theadapter housing 310 can include any desired combination of front and rear media reading interfaces 318. - In certain implementations, the orientation of the first
media reading interface 318 is flipped 180° from the orientation of the secondmedia reading interface 318. In some implementations, the firstmedia reading interface 318 is laterally offset from the secondmedia reading interface 318. For example, the first and secondmedia reading interfaces 318 may be positioned side-by-side. In other implementations, the first and secondmedia reading interfaces 318 may be axially aligned. In some implementations, the first and secondmedia reading interfaces 318 may be laterally aligned. In other implementations, the first media reading interfaces 318 may be offset towards the front of theadapter housing 310 and the secondmedia reading interface 318 may be offset towards the rear of theadapter housing 310. - In general, each
media reading interface 318 is formed from one or more contact members 340 (FIG. 9 ). In some implementations, themedia reading interface 318 includes at least afirst contact member 340 that transfers power, at least asecond contact member 340 that transfers data, and at least athird contact member 340 that provides grounding. In one implementation, themedia reading interface 318 includes afourth contact member 340. In other implementations, themedia reading interface 318 include greater orfewer contact members 340. - In some implementations, the
cover 315 definesslots 316 configured to receive one ormore contact members 340. At least a portion of eachslot 316 extends through thecover 315 to the axial passage of theadapter housing 311. In some implementations, the entirety of eachslot 316 extends through thecover 315 from top to bottom. In other implementations, only portions of theslot 316 extend from the top to the bottom of thecover 315. For example, eachslot 316 may define a recess in the top surface of thecover 315 in which the contact members can be positioned. Openings defined in a bottom of thecover 315 enable portions of thecontact members 340 to extend into a respective adapter passageway. - The media reading interfaces 318 are positioned in the
slots 316 of thecover 315 to connect astorage device 330 of a connector 3210 received at theadapter housing 310 with a circuit board coupled to theadapter housing 310. For example, a circuit board may be secured (e.g., via fasteners) to theadapter housing 310 so as to extend over theslots 316 of thecover 315. Eachmedia reading interface 318 held by thecover 315 extends between the circuit board and a respective axial passage of theadapter housing 310. Portions of eachcontact member 340 engage tracings and contacts on the circuit board. Other portions of thecontact members 340 engage theelectrical contacts 332 of thestorage members 330 attached to any connector 320 plugged into theadapter housing 310. The circuit board electrically connects to a data processor and/or to a network interface (e.g., theprocessor 217 andnetwork interface 216 ofFIG. 1 ). It is further to be understood thatmultiple adapter housings 310 can be connected to the printed circuit board within a connector assembly (e.g., a bladed panel). A processor coupled to the circuit board can access thememory 333 of each connector arrangement 320 coupled to theadapter housing 310 through corresponding ones of thecontact members - In certain implementations, the
slots 316 of thecover 315 are sized to holdindividual contacts 340. Theadapter housing 311 has internal structure that holds thecontacts 340 in theslots 316. Theslots 316 position thecontact members 340 in alignment with thecontact pads 332 of aconnector storage device 330 mounted to a connector 320 received at theadapter housing 310. Theslots 316 may be separated by intermediate walls to inhibit touching betweenadjacent contact members 340. In other implementations, all of thecontact members 340 in a singlemedia reading interface 318 may be retained in asingle slot 316. In certain implementations, theslots 316 are sized to accommodatemultiple contact members 340 mounted to a support body. - In some implementations, the
contact members 340 of a singlemedia reading interface 318 are positioned in a staggered configuration. For example, alternating ones of thecontact members 340 are moved axially forward or axially rearward. In some implementations, theslots 316 accommodating thestaggered contact members 340 also are staggered (e.g., in a front to rear direction). In other implementations, however, theslots 316 may have a common length. In still other implementations, the front and rear ends of thecontact members 340 of a singlemedia reading interface 318 are transversely aligned within similarly transversely alignedslots 316. - In some implementations, the
cover 315 is sufficiently thick to enable the media readinginterface contacts 340 to be substantially positioned in thecover 315. In some implementations, the material height of thecover 315 is at least 0.76 mm (0.03 inches). Indeed, in some implementations, the material height of thecover 315 is at least 1.02 mm (0.04 inches). In certain implementations, the material height of thecover 315 is at least 1.27 mm (0.05 inches). In some implementations, a height H1 (FIG. 27 ) of theadapter housing 310 is at least 9.4 mm. In certain implementations, the height H1 is at least 10 mm. Indeed, in certain implementations, the height H1 is at least 10 mm. In one example implementation, the height H1 is about 10.4 mm. - In other implementations, the
slots 316 for accommodating themedia reading interface 318 may be defined in theadapter housing 311 instead of in thecover 315. In certain implementations, theslots 316 may be defined in a side wall of theadapter housing 311 located opposite thecover 315. Alternatively, certain types ofadapters 310 do not include acover 315. Some such example implementations include a monolithic adapter housing. Other such example implementations include two-piece (e.g., front and rear) housings. In other implementations, theslots 316 may be defined in two or more side walls of theadapter housing 311. - One example type of
contact member 340 is shown inFIG. 9 . Eachcontact member 340 includes at least two moveable (e.g., flexible) contact sections defining contact surfaces. In certain implementations, one ormore contact members 340 include three moveable (e.g., flexible) contact sections. The flexibility of the contact sections provides tolerance for differences in spacing between thecontact member 340 and the adapter printed circuit board. Certain types ofcontact members 340 also include at least one stationary contact having a contact surface. For example, eachcontact member 340 may have two stationary contact sections. The ability of the first contact section to flex relative to the stationary contact provides tolerance for placement of thecontact member 340 relative to the circuit board. - When the
contact member 340 is mounted to theadapter 310, the first moveable contact section and the stationary contact sections extend through theadapter slot 316 to engage the adapter circuit board. The second moveable contact section is configured to extend into the axial passage of theadapter housing 310 and engage a connector 320 plugged into one of theports storage device 330 is installed on the connector 320, then the second contact surface is configured to engage thecontact pads 332 of thestorage device 330. - In certain implementations, the third moveable contact section selectively extends through the
slot 316 and engages the adapter circuit board. For example, the third contact section may be configured to engage the circuit board only when a connector 320 is plugged into theport contact member 340. The third contact section may be resiliently biased to extend within theadapter housing 310. For example, certain types ofcontact members 340 may include a resilient section that transfers force applied to second moveable contact section to the third moveable contact section. Accordingly, the resilient section may transfers a force pushing the second section towards theslot 316 to the third section, thereby pushing the third contact section through the slot 316 (e.g., toward the circuit board). - In certain implementations, a circumferential edge of each
contact member 340 defines the contact surface of each contact section. In some implementations, the edge has a substantially continuous thickness. In various implementations, the thickness ranges from about 0.05 inches to about 0.005 inches. In some implementation, the thickness is less than about 0.012 inches. In one example implementation, the thickness is about 0.008 inches. In other implementations, the thickness may vary across the body of thecontact member 340. - In one implementation, the
contact member 340 is formed monolithically (e.g., from a continuous sheet of metal or other material). For example, in some implementations, thecontact member 340 may be manufactured by cutting a planar sheet of metal or other material. In other implementations, thecontact member 340 may be manufactured by etching a planar sheet of metal or other material. In other implementations, thecontact member 340 may be manufactured by laser trimming a planar sheet of metal or other material. In still other implementations, thecontact member 340 may be manufactured by stamping a planar sheet of metal or other material. In still other implementations, thecontact member 340 may be formed from wire stock. - The
contact member 340 shown and described herein is formed from a single piece. In other implementations, however, two or more separate pieces may operate together to perform the functions of thecontact member 340. For example, a first piece may form the first moveable contact section and a second piece may form the third moveable contact section. Either of the pieces may form the second moveable contact section. Insertion of a connector 320 into a respective port of theadapter housing 310 may push one of the pieces into electrical contact with the other of the pieces to electrically connect the first and second contact sections. - When a connector 320 is fully inserted into the
adapter housing 310 at one of theports connector ferrule 323 is received within one end of theferrule sleeve 319 inside theadapter housing 310. In some implementations, the connector 320 may be releasably locked to thehousing 310. For example, flexible latching hooks disposed within the interior of thehousing 310 may engage theslots 329 defined in theouter body 321 of the connector 320 to releasably hold the connector 320 at theadapter port storage device 330, thecontacts 332 of thestorage device 330 are configured to align with theslots 316 defined in theadapter housing 310. Accordingly, the media readinginterface contact members 340 held within theslots 316 align with thecontacts 332 of theconnector storage device 330 to establish an electrical connection between thestorage device 330 and the adapter circuit board. - In accordance with some aspects, each
media reading interface 318 of theadapter 310 is configured to detect the presence of a connector arrangement 320 plugged into aport adapter housing 310. For example, thecontact members 340 of amedia reading interface 318 can function as presence detection sensors or trigger switches. In some implementations, thecontact members 340 of amedia reading interface 318 are configured to form a complete circuit with the adapter circuit board only when a connector 320 is plugged into arespective port contact member 340 may contact the circuit board only after being pushed toward the circuit board by a connector 320 received at theadapter 310. In other example implementations, the connector 320 may push thecontact members 340 away from the circuit board or from a shorting rod. In accordance with other aspects, however, certain types ofcontact members 340 may form a complete circuit with the circuit board regardless of whether a connector 320 is received at theadapter 310. - As discussed above, a processor (e.g.,
processor 217 ofFIG. 2 ) or other such equipment also can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. Accordingly, the processor can communicate with thememory circuitry 333 on theconnector storage device 330 via thecontact members 340 and the printed circuit board. In accordance with some aspects, the processor is configured to obtain physical layer information from theconnector storage device 330. In accordance with other aspects, the processor is configured to write physical layer information to theconnector storage device 330. In accordance with other aspects, the processor is configured to delete physical layer information from theconnector storage device 330. In still other implementations, the processor detects the presence or absence of a connector 320 at eachport - When removing the fiber optic connector 320, the slidable
outer body 321 of the connector 320 is slid axially relative to theinner body 322 away from theadapter housing 310 until the flexible latching hooks of theadapter housing 310 are released from theslots 329 defined on theouter body 321 of the connector 320. When released, the connector 320 may be slide rearwardly through theport adapter housing 310. - Removing the connector 320 from the
port contact member 340, thereby allowing the third moveable contact portion to move back to the initial position. Dropping the third moveable contact portion disengages the third contact surface from the circuit board, thereby interrupting the circuit created by thecontact member 340. Interrupting the circuit enables a processor connected to the circuit board to determine that the connector 320 has been removed from theport storage device 330 is not moved out of alignment with themedia reading interface 318 until the connector 320 is released. In other implementations, however, moving theouter body 321 rearwardly applies sufficient force to theinner body 322 to move thestorage device 330 out of alignment with themedia reading interface 318. -
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another example implementation of a connector system 400 (FIG. 11 ) that can be utilized on a connector assembly (e.g., a communications panel) having PLI functionality as well as PLM functionality. Theconnector system 400 includes at least one exampleoptical adapter 410 and at least twooptical connector arrangements 420. Theoptical connector 420 shown is an SC-type optical connector having anouter body 421 that is axially moveable relative to aninner body 422. Theinner body 422 holds aferrule 423 through which at least one optical fiber extends. Theoptical connector 420 shown inFIGS. 10-12 is substantially the same as the optical connector 320 disclosed above, except for certain features discussed below. - As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 , astorage device 430 is coupled to theconnector 420 at a recessed portion 426 of theinner body 422. However, the location on theinner body 422 at which thestorage device 430 is disposed is rearwardly offset compared to the location of thestorage device 330 on theinner body 322 of the optical connector 320 disclosed above. For example, a front edge of thestorage device 430 is rearwardly offset from the front edge of theinner body 422. In certain implementations, the recess does not extend sufficiently forward to open through the front edge of theinner body 422. - The
optical adapter 410 shown inFIG. 11 is substantially the same as theoptical adapter 310 disclosed above, except for certain features discussed below. The axial positioning of thestorage device inner body connector 320, 420 determines or is influenced by the axial positioning of the media reading interfaces 318 in theadapter slots 416 defined in theadapter 410 shown inFIG. 11 are spaced farther apart in the axial direction as compared to theslots 316 of the adapter 320 shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 12 illustrates anotherexample storage device 450 disposed on theoptical connector 420 ofFIG. 10 . Thestorage device 450 is offset rearwardly from a front of theinner body 422 of theconnector 420. In the example shown, thestorage device 450 includescontacts 452 disposed on one side of a printedcircuit board 451. In certain implementations, the memory (e.g., EEPROM) is disposed at an opposite side of thecircuit board 451. In other implementations, the memory can be disposed on the same side of thecircuit board 451 as thecontacts 452. - In certain implementations, the
contacts 452 are uniformly disposed on theboard 451. In the example shown inFIG. 12 , however, two of the contacts are shorter than another two of the contacts. Also in the example shown, two of the contacts are L-shaped and two of the contacts extend in a straight line. In other implementations, however, other types ofcontacts 452 may be disposed on thecircuit board 451. For example, square contacts may be arranged in a grid pattern. - The embodiments described above make use of a contact-based interface for reading from and/or writing information to a
storage device 330 attached to theconnector 320, 420. In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, however, contact-less or wireless interfaces also can be used with the optical systems described above. In some such alternative embodiments, RFID technology is used. In one such RFID embodiment, thestorage device connector 320, 420 is implemented as an RFID tag. In such an embodiment, thestorage device 330 does not include anEEPROM 333 andcontacts 332. Rather, the RFID tag includes memory and an antenna. - Also, in such an embodiment, the
adapter contacts 340 of the media reading interfaces 318, 418 are replaced with an RFID coil or antenna. The RFID coils in the adapter ports are connected to one or more RFID readers (using a suitable multiplexing mechanism if needed). In order to read information from an RFID tag, the RFID reader outputs an RF interrogation signal via the RFID coil associated with the appropriate adapter port. For example, the RFID reader may output such an RF interrogation signal in response to anoptical connector 320, 420 being inserted into theadapter port - The RFID tag on the optical connector receives the RFID interrogation signal, which causes the RFID tag to power on, to retrieve information (e.g., physical layer information) stored in the RFID tag, and to transmit the read information. The transmission from the RFID tag is received by the RFID reader using the RFID coil in the adapter port. The information included in such transmissions can be provided to a controller included in the patch panel or other optical system associated with the
adapter aggregation point 220 in anIP network 218 as described above. Other contact-less or wireless embodiments can be implemented in other ways. -
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another exampleoptical connector 500 having astorage device 525. Theoptical connector 500 has a front 501, a rear 502, afirst side 503, asecond side 504, a top 505, and a bottom 506. Theconnector 500 includes anouter body 510 defining grip surfaces 514 and aconnection mechanism 516. For example, agrip surface 514 and a connection component can be formed on eachside outer body 510. An inner body is configured to move (e.g., slide) relative to theouter body 510. An optical fiber tip is held at the inner body and accessible from thefront 501 of the connector 500 (e.g., via a ferrule). In the example shown, adust cap 515 covers the optical fiber tip. A strain-relief boot 518 can extend rearwardly from theouter body 510. - In some implementations, the
storage device 525 is disposed internally within theconnector body 510. For example, theconnector body 510 can define astorage compartment 520 to hold thestorage device 525. As shown inFIG. 14 , thestorage compartment 520 includes acavity 521 extending into theconnector body 510 from the front 501. In an example, thecavity 521 is defined in theconnector body 510 between the top 505 of thebody 510 and the internal passage in which the optical fiber is disposed. Theconnector body 510forms shelves 522 that partially define thecavity 521. Anotch 523 can be provided in theconnector body 510 at the front 501 to be continuous with thecavity 521. - In certain implementations, the
shelves 522 are separated by a gap 524 (seeFIG. 15 ). The inner body also defines agap 519. Thegaps shelves 522 and other components. In some implementations, thegaps connector 500. For example, in certain implementations, thegaps connector 500 when theconnector 500 is received at a port of the optical adapter. In other implementations, thegaps - The
storage device 525 is configured to be advanced into thecavity 521 from thefront 501 of the connector 500 (seeFIG. 14 ). For example, thestorage device 525 can be slid edge-wise into thecavity 521 along theshelves 522. Aplug piece 526 can be coupled to theconnector body 510 to close thestorage device 525 within thecavity 521. For example, theplug piece 526 can be welded, glued, overmolded, or otherwise secured to thebody 510. Theplug piece 526 includes afront member 527 that extends across the opening to thecavity 521, twoarms 528 extending rearwardly from thefront member 527, and alug 529 that extends outwardly from thefront member 527. Thearms 528 are sized and configured to slide into thecavity 521 on opposite sides of thestorage device 525. Thelug 529 is sized and configured to fit within thenotch 523. In an example, thestorage device 525 can be glued into position within thecavity 525. In another example, thestorage device 525 can be held into position using a vacuum until theplug piece 526 is added. - In some implementations, the
storage device 525 includes an RFID tag. In such implementations, thestorage device 525 can be fully sealed within theconnector body 510. In other implementations, thestorage device 525 includes a circuit board including memory and contact pads. In such implementations, openings are defined in the top 505 of theconnector body 500 to provide access to the contact pads. - In other implementations, a cavity can be defined in the
top surface 505 of theconnector body 510. Thestorage device 525 can be disposed within the cavity. A cover can be added to close the cavity. In an example, thestorage device 525 can be glued into position within the cavity. In another example, thestorage device 525 can be held into position using a vacuum until a cover is added. For example, the cavity section of theconnector body 510 andstorage device 525 can be overmolded (e.g., using injection molded plastic) to close the cavity. In certain implementations, thestorage device 525 includes an RFID tag that can be sealed within the cavity by the cover. In other implementations, thestorage device 525 can include a circuit board including memory and contact pads. In such implementations, the contact pads are left accessible through the cover. For example, the contact pads can be pressed against the mold during an overmolding process to prevent the contact pads from being overmolded. -
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate variousexample LC connectors LC connector 600 includes a single-piece body 610 including alatch 615 for securing theconnector 600 to an adapter. Thebody 610 also includes atrigger 616 to facilitate depression of thelatch 615. A distal tip of an optical fiber protrudes from a front of thebody 610 and an optical cable extends from a rear of thebody 610. A strain-relief boot can be mounted to the rear of thebody 610. Thebody 610 defines aslot 620 leading to a cavity defined in thebody 610 of theconnector 600. In an example, the cavity opens into a longitudinal bore extending through theconnector body 610. In another example, the cavity is separate from the bore. A storage device can be inserted edge-wise within the cavity and theslot 620 can be closed. In an example, theslot 620 can be overmolded shut. In another example, a plug can be inserted into theslot 620. In another example, the boot can cover theslot 620. -
FIG. 17 shows anLC connector 650 having a two-piece housing including afront housing piece 652 and arear housing piece 654. Thefront housing piece 652 includes alatch 665 and therear housing piece 654 includes atrigger 666. In some implementations, a slot (e.g., slot 620) can be defined in therear housing piece 654. The slot leads to a cavity in therear housing piece 654. The storage device can be inserted edge-wise within the cavity and the slot can be sealed to close the storage device within the cavity. In an example, the slot can be overmolded shut. In another example, a plug can be inserted into the slot. In another example, the boot can cover the slot. - The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims (20)
1-4. (canceled)
5. A fiber optic connector comprising:
a first connector housing;
an optical fiber extending through the first connector housing;
a second connector housing that is movably coupled to the first connector housing so that the first connector housing is slidable relative to the second connector housing; and
a radio-frequency identification device mounted to one of the first and second connector housings.
6. The fiber optic connector of claim 5 , wherein the radio-frequency identification device is mounted to the first connector housing.
7. The fiber optic connector of claim 5 , wherein the radio-frequency identification device is mounted to the second connector housing.
8. The fiber optic connector of claim 5 , wherein the second connector housing at least partially surrounds the first connector housing.
9. The fiber optic connector of claim 8 , wherein the radio-frequency identification device is mounted to the first connector housing.
10. The fiber optic connector of claim 8 , wherein the radio-frequency identification device is mounted to the second connector housing.
11. The fiber optic connector of claim 5 , wherein the fiber optic connector is an SC connector, wherein the first connector housing is an inner housing; and wherein the second connector housing is an outer grip housing.
12. The fiber optic connector of claim 5 , wherein the radio-frequency identification device is exposed at an exterior of the fiber optic connector.
13. The fiber optic connector of claim 5 , wherein the radio-frequency identification device is embedded within the fiber optic connector.
14. The fiber optic connector of claim 5 , further comprising a ferrule being held by the first connector housing, the ferrule holding and providing access to the optical fiber.
15. A fiber optic connector configured to be received at an optical adapter, the fiber optic connector comprising:
an inner body configured to retain a ferrule that extends longitudinally through the inner body;
an outer body slideably received about the inner body, the outer body defining a cavity opening in a forward-facing slot;
a storage device disposed in the recess of the inner body, at least a portion of the storage device extending above an outer surface of the inner body and at least partially through the cut-out of the outer body, the storage device including memory configured to store physical layer information, the storage device also including a transmission member for communicating information from memory to a data management system;
a plug piece sized to close the slot defined in the outer body.
16. The fiber optic connector of claim 15 , wherein the plug piece is formed by overmolding the outer body at the slot.
17. The fiber optic connector of claim 15 , wherein the plug piece includes a separate part that is attached to the outer body.
18. The fiber optic connector of claim 17 , wherein the plug piece is welded to the outer body.
19. The fiber optic connector of claim 17 , wherein the plug piece is glued to the outer body.
20. The fiber optic connector of claim 15 , wherein the cavity of the outer body is partially defined by two shelves separated by a gap facing the inner body.
21. The fiber optic connector of claim 20 , wherein the inner body defines a channel that extends longitudinally along an exterior surface of the inner body in alignment with the gap between the two shelves.
22. The fiber optic connector of claim 15 , wherein the storage device includes an RFID tag.
23. The fiber optic connector of claim 15 , wherein the storage device includes a circuit board and EEPROM.
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US20140023326A1 (en) | 2014-01-23 |
WO2014011898A1 (en) | 2014-01-16 |
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