U.S. patent application number 13/483338 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for cage with a heat sink mounted on its mounting side and an emi gasket with its fingers electrically connected to the mounting side.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tyco Electronics Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Matthew David Morrison, Michael John Phillips, Michael Eugene Shirk. Invention is credited to Matthew David Morrison, Michael John Phillips, Michael Eugene Shirk.
Application Number | 20130323963 13/483338 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49640778 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130323963 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morrison; Matthew David ; et
al. |
December 5, 2013 |
CAGE WITH A HEAT SINK MOUNTED ON ITS MOUNTING SIDE AND AN EMI
GASKET WITH ITS FINGERS ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE MOUNTING
SIDE
Abstract
A cage assembly is provided for receiving a pluggable module.
The cage assembly includes a cage having a front end, a mounting
side, and an internal compartment. The front end is open to the
internal compartment of the cage. The internal compartment is
configured to receive the pluggable module therein through the
front end. A heat sink is mounted to the mounting side of the cage.
The heat sink has a module side that is configured to thermally
communicate with the pluggable module. An electromagnetic
interference (EMI) gasket extends along at least a portion of an
interface between the mounting side of the cage and the module side
of the heat sink. The EMI gasket includes electrically conductive
spring fingers that are engaged with and electrically connected to
the mounting side of the cage.
Inventors: |
Morrison; Matthew David;
(Lemoyne, PA) ; Phillips; Michael John; (Camp
Hill, PA) ; Shirk; Michael Eugene; (Grantville,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Morrison; Matthew David
Phillips; Michael John
Shirk; Michael Eugene |
Lemoyne
Camp Hill
Grantville |
PA
PA
PA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tyco Electronics
Corporation
Berwyn
PA
|
Family ID: |
49640778 |
Appl. No.: |
13/483338 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/487 ;
174/377 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20418 20130101;
H05K 9/0058 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/487 ;
174/377 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/00 20060101
H01R013/00; H05K 9/00 20060101 H05K009/00 |
Claims
1. A cage assembly for receiving a pluggable module, the cage
assembly comprising: a cage having a front end, a mounting side,
and an internal compartment, the front end being open to the
internal compartment of the cage, the internal compartment being
configured to receive the pluggable module therein through the
front end; a heat sink mounted to the mounting side of the cage,
the heat sink having a module side that is configured to thermally
communicate with the pluggable module; and an electromagnetic
interference (EMI) gasket extending along at least a portion of an
interface between the mounting side of the cage and the module side
of the heat sink, the EMI gasket comprising electrically conductive
spring fingers that are engaged with and electrically connected to
the mounting side of the cage.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket is positioned to
block EMI leakage at the interface between the mounting side of the
cage and the module side of the heat sink.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a base
having a perimeter, the spring fingers extending radially outward
from the base along at least a portion of the perimeter.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a base
having a perimeter that includes a corner, the spring fingers
comprising a corner spring finger that extends from the base at the
corner of the perimeter.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a base
having a perimeter that includes a corner, the spring fingers
comprising a plurality of corner spring fingers that extend along
the corner in a fan-shaped pattern.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a base
having a perimeter that includes a corner, the spring fingers
comprising a corner spring finger that extends from the base at the
corner of the perimeter, the corner spring finger extending from
the base at an oblique angle relative to at least one other spring
finger.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a base
having a perimeter that includes a corner, the EMI gasket further
comprising a corner sheet that extends from the base at the corner
of the perimeter to an end, the spring fingers comprising a
plurality of corner spring fingers that extend from the end of the
corner sheet.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a base
having first and second segments, an end of the first segment being
interconnected to an end of the second segment at a corner, the
spring fingers comprising end spring fingers that extend from the
base at the ends of the first and second segments, the corner
comprising a gap between the end spring fingers, wherein the spring
fingers comprise a corner spring finger that extends within the gap
between the end spring fingers.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring fingers of the EMI
gasket are resiliently compressible between the mounting side of
the cage and the module side of the heat sink.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting side of the cage
comprises an opening extending therethrough, the interface between
the module side of the heat sink and the mounting side of the cage
extending around the opening, the module side of the heat sink
comprising a platform that extends into the opening, the platform
having a module surface that is configured to thermally communicate
with the pluggable module, the EMI gasket extending along the
interface around at least a portion of a perimeter of the
platform.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a
base that is engaged with the module side of the heat sink.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the heat sink is seated on,
and engages, the EMI gasket.
13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the EMI gasket is mechanically
connected to the module side of the heat sink using an
interference-fit connection.
14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the interface between the
mounting side of the cage and the module side of the heat sink
comprises a gap between the mounting and module sides.
15. A receptacle assembly for mating with a pluggable module, the
receptacle assembly comprising: a receptacle connector; and a cage
having a front end, a mounting side, and an internal compartment,
the receptacle connector being held within the internal
compartment, the front end being open to the internal compartment
of the cage, the internal compartment being configured to receive
the pluggable module therein through the front end; a heat sink
mounted to the mounting side of the cage, the heat sink having a
module side that is configured to thermally communicate with the
pluggable module; and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket
extending along at least a portion of an interface between the
mounting side of the cage and the module side of the heat sink, the
EMI gasket comprising electrically conductive spring fingers that
are engaged with and electrically connected to the mounting side of
the cage.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a
base having a perimeter that includes a corner, the spring fingers
comprising a corner spring finger that extends from the base at the
corner of the perimeter.
17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the EMI gasket comprises a
base having a perimeter, the spring fingers extending radially
outward from the base along at least a portion of the
perimeter.
18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the spring fingers of the EMI
gasket are resiliently compressible between the mounting side of
the cage and the module side of the heat sink.
19. A cage assembly for receiving a pluggable module, the cage
assembly comprising: a cage having a front end, a mounting side,
and an internal compartment, the front end being open to the
internal compartment of the cage, the internal compartment being
configured to receive the pluggable module therein through the
front end; a heat sink mounted to the mounting side of the cage,
the heat sink having a module side that is configured to thermally
communicate with the pluggable module; and an electromagnetic
interference (EMI) gasket extending along at least a portion of an
interface between the mounting side of the cage and the module side
of the heat sink, the EMI gasket comprising a base having a
perimeter that includes a corner, the EMI gasket further comprising
electrically conductive spring fingers that extend from the base
and are engaged with and electrically connected to the mounting
side of the cage, wherein the spring fingers comprise a corner
spring finger that extends from the base at the corner of the
perimeter.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the corner spring finger
comprises a plurality of corner spring fingers that extend along
the corner in a fan-shaped pattern.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter described and/or illustrated herein
relates generally to pluggable modules, and more particularly to
cage assemblies for receiving pluggable modules.
[0002] Various types of fiber optic and copper based transceiver
assemblies that permit communication between host equipment and
external devices are known. These transceiver assemblies typically
include a pluggable module that is received within a receptacle
assembly, which includes a receptacle connector that pluggably
connects to the pluggable module. The receptacle assembly typically
includes a metal cage having an internal compartment that receives
the pluggable module therein. The receptacle connector is held in
the internal compartment of the cage for connection with the
pluggable module as the pluggable module is inserted therein.
[0003] Due to increases in the density, power output levels, and/or
switching speeds of some pluggable modules, there may be a
corresponding increase in heat generated by the pluggable module.
The heat generated by the operation of the pluggable modules can
lead to significant problems. For example, some pluggable modules
may lose performance, or outright fail, if the core temperature of
the module rises too high. Known techniques used to control the
temperature of pluggable modules include mounting a heat sink to
the cage. When the pluggable module is received within the
receptacle assembly, the heat sink thermally communicates (e.g.,
engages) with the pluggable module to dissipate heat from the
module. But, electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions may leak
out of the receptacle assembly at an interface between the cage and
the heat sink.
[0004] There is a need for a receptacle assembly that reduces
leakage of EMI emissions through an interface between a cage and a
heat sink of the receptacle assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment, a cage assembly is provided for receiving
a pluggable module. The cage assembly includes a cage having a
front end, a mounting side, and an internal compartment. The front
end is open to the internal compartment of the cage. The internal
compartment is configured to receive the pluggable module therein
through the front end. A heat sink is mounted to the mounting side
of the cage. The heat sink has a module side that is configured to
thermally communicate with the pluggable module. An electromagnetic
interference (EMI) gasket extends along at least a portion of an
interface between the mounting side of the cage and the module side
of the heat sink. The EMI gasket includes electrically conductive
spring fingers that are engaged with and electrically connected to
the mounting side of the cage.
[0006] In another embodiment, a receptacle assembly is provided for
mating with a pluggable module. The receptacle assembly includes a
receptacle connector and a cage having a front end, a mounting
side, and an internal compartment. The receptacle connector is held
within the internal compartment. The front end is open to the
internal compartment of the cage. The internal compartment is
configured to receive the pluggable module therein through the
front end. A heat sink is mounted to the mounting side of the cage.
The heat sink has a module side that is configured to thermally
communicate with the pluggable module. An electromagnetic
interference (EMI) gasket extends along at least a portion of an
interface between the mounting side of the cage and the module side
of the heat sink. The EMI gasket includes electrically conductive
spring fingers that are engaged with and electrically connected to
the mounting side of the cage.
[0007] In another embodiment, a cage assembly is provided for
receiving a pluggable module. The cage assembly includes a cage
having a front end, a mounting side, and an internal compartment.
The front end is open to the internal compartment of the cage. The
internal compartment is configured to receive the pluggable module
therein through the front end. A heat sink is mounted to the
mounting side of the cage. The heat sink has a module side that is
configured to thermally communicate with the pluggable module. An
electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket extends along at least a
portion of an interface between the mounting side of the cage and
the module side of the heat sink. The EMI gasket includes a base
having a perimeter that includes a corner. The EMI gasket also
includes electrically conductive spring fingers that extend from
the base and are engaged with and electrically connected to the
mounting side of the cage. The spring fingers include a corner
spring finger that extends from the base at the corner of the
perimeter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a transceiver assembly.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating exemplary
embodiments of a heat sink and an electromagnetic interference
(EMI) gasket of the transceiver assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the EMI gasket shown in FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion the transceiver
assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the EMI gasket shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3 held between the heat sink shown in FIG. 2 and an
exemplary embodiment of a cage of the transceiver assembly shown in
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 4 and also illustrating the EMI gasket shown in FIGS. 2 and 3
held between the heat sink and the cage.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the transceiver assembly
shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion
of an exemplary embodiment of a transceiver assembly 10. In the
exemplary embodiment, the transceiver assembly 10 is adapted to
address, among other things, conveying data signals at high rates,
such as data transmission rates of at least 10 gigabits per second
(Gbps), which is required by the SFP+standard. For example, in some
embodiments the transceiver assembly 10 is adapted to convey data
signals at a data transmission rate of at least 28 Gbps. Moreover,
and for example, in some embodiments the transceiver assembly 10 is
adapted to convey data signals at a data transmission rate of
between approximately 20 Gbps and approximately 30 Gbps. It is
appreciated, however, that the benefits and advantages of the
subject matter described and/or illustrated herein may accrue
equally to other data transmission rates and across a variety of
systems and standards. In other words, the subject matter described
and/or illustrated herein is not limited to data transmission rates
of 10 Gbps or greater, any standard, or the exemplary type of
transceiver assembly shown and described herein.
[0017] The transceiver assembly 10 includes one or more pluggable
modules 12 configured for pluggable insertion into a receptacle
assembly 14 that is mounted to a host circuit board 16. The host
circuit board 16 may be mounted in a host system (not shown) such
as, but not limited to, a router, a server, a computer, and/or the
like. The host system typically includes a conductive chassis (not
shown) having a panel (not shown) including one or more openings
(not shown) extending therethrough in substantial alignment with
the receptacle assembly 14. The receptacle assembly 14 is
optionally electrically connected to the panel.
[0018] The pluggable module 12 is configured to be inserted into
the receptacle assembly 14. Specifically, the pluggable module 12
is inserted into the receptacle assembly 14 through the panel
opening such that a front end 18 of the pluggable module 12 extends
outwardly from the receptacle assembly 14. The pluggable module 12
includes a housing 20 that forms a protective shell for one or more
circuit boards 22 disposed within the housing 20. The circuit board
22 carries circuitry, traces, paths, devices, and/or the like that
perform transceiver functions in a known manner. An edge 24 of the
circuit board 22 is exposed at a rear end 26 of the housing 20. A
straddle mount connector (not shown) may be mounted to the circuit
board 22 and exposed at the rear end 26 of the housing 20 for
plugging into a receptacle connector 28 (FIG. 7) of the receptacle
assembly 14. Alternatively, the circuit board 22 of the pluggable
module 12 may directly mate with the receptacle connector 28. In
other words, in some embodiments, the edge 24 of the circuit board
22 of the pluggable module 12 is received within a corresponding
receptacle 30 (FIG. 7) of the receptacle connector 28 to
electrically connect the pluggable module 12 to the receptacle
connector 28.
[0019] In general, the pluggable module 12 and the receptacle
assembly 14 may be used in any application requiring an interface
between a host system and electrical and/or optical signals. The
pluggable module 12 interfaces to the host system via the
receptacle connector 28 of the receptacle assembly 14, which
includes the receptacle connector 28 and a cage assembly 32. The
cage assembly 32 includes an electrically conductive cage 34 (which
is sometimes referred to as a "receptacle guide frame" or a "guide
frame"), a heat sink 36, and an electromagnetic interference (EMI)
gasket 38. The cage 34 includes a front end 40 having one or more
front openings, or ports, 42 that are open to one or more internal
compartments 44 of the cage 34. The front end 40 of the cage 34 is
configured to be mounted, or received, within the opening in the
panel of the hose system. The receptacle connector 28 is positioned
within the internal compartment 44 at a rear end 46 of the cage 34.
The internal compartment 44 of the cage 34 is configured to receive
the pluggable module 12 therein in electrical connection with the
receptacle connector 28. The cage 34 may include any number of
internal compartments 44 and ports 42, arranged in any pattern,
configuration, arrangement, and/or the like (such as, but not
limited to, any number of rows and/or columns), for electrically
connecting any number of pluggable modules 12 to the host circuit
board.
[0020] The pluggable module 12 interfaces to one or more optical
cables (not shown) and/or one or more electrical cables (not shown)
through a connector interface 48 at the front end 18 of the module
12. Optionally, the connector interface 48 comprises a mechanism
that cooperates with a fiber or cable assembly (not shown) to
secure the fiber or cable assembly to the pluggable module 12.
Suitable connector interfaces 48 are known and include adapters for
the LC style fiber connectors and the MTP/MPO style fiber
connectors offered by Tyco Electronics Corporation (Harrisburg,
Pa.).
[0021] The heat sink 36 is mounted to the cage 34. More
specifically, the heat sink 36 is mounted to a mounting side 50 of
the cage 34. When the pluggable module 12 is received within the
internal compartment 44 of the cage 34, a module side 52 of the
heat sink 36 thermally communicates with the pluggable module 12.
Heat generated by the pluggable module 12 is dissipated by the heat
sink 36 via the thermal communication between the heat sink 36 and
the pluggable module 12. The cage 34 includes an opening 66 that
extends through an upper wall 68 of the cage 34 that includes the
mounting side 50. The opening 66 thereby extends through the
mounting side 50. The heat sink 36 is mounted to the mounting side
50 of the cage 34 at the opening 66 such that the opening 66
enables the heat sink 36 to thermally communicate with the
pluggable module 12.
[0022] In the exemplary embodiment, the heat sink 36 thermally
communicates with the pluggable module 12 via engagement of the
heat sink 36 with the pluggable module 12. More specifically, the
module side 52 of the heat sink 36 engages a side 54 of the housing
20 of the pluggable module 12 to thermally communicate the heat
sink 36 with the pluggable module 12. In some alternative
embodiments, the module side 52 of the heat sink 36 thermally
communicates with the pluggable module 12 via a thermal interface
material (not shown) that is positioned between, and engaged with
each of, the module side 52 of the heat sink 36 and the side 54 of
the pluggable module 12. The thermal interface material may
increase the thermal transfer efficiency between the pluggable
module 12 and the heat sink 36.
[0023] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the heat sink 36 is mounted to the
cage 34 using one or more mounting clips 56 that extend over a side
58 of the heat sink 36 and engage the cage 34. The mounting clips
56 include one or more mounting features 60 that cooperate with one
or more complementary mounting features 62 of the cage 34 using a
snap-fit connection to hold the heat sink 36 to the cage 34. In
addition or alternative to the mounting clips 56, the mounting
features 60, the mounting features 62, and/or the snap-fit
connection, the heat sink 36 may be mounted to cage 34 using any
other structure, means, fasteners, and/or the like, such as, but
not limited to, using a threaded fastener, another type of
non-threaded fastener, an interference fit, a latch, and/or the
like.
[0024] As will be described in more detail below, the EMI gasket 38
extends along at least a portion of an interface 64 (FIGS. 5, 6,
and 8) between the mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and the module
side 52 of the heat sink 36. The EMI gasket 38 is positioned to
facilitate blocking EMI leakage at the interface 64. The EMI gasket
38 includes electrically conductive spring fingers 78 that are
engaged with and electrically connected to the mounting side 50 of
the cage 34.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the heat sink 36
and the EMI gasket 38. FIG. 2 illustrates the module side 52 of the
heat sink 36 with the EMI gasket 38 being mounted thereto. The
module side 52 of the heat sink 36 includes a platform 70. The
platform 70 extends outwardly on the module side 52 from a sink
surface 72 of the module side 52 to a module surface 74 of the
platform 70. Side walls 76 of the platform 70 extend from the sink
surface 72 to the module surface 74. The side walls 76 define a
perimeter 88 of the platform 70. As will be described below, in the
exemplary embodiment, the platform 70 of the heat sink 36 extends
into the opening 66 (FIGS. 1 and 5) of the cage 34 (FIGS. 1 and
4-8) for thermally communicating with the pluggable module 12. In
the exemplary embodiment, the module surface 74 of the platform 70
is configured to thermally communicate with the pluggable module 12
(FIGS. 1 and 7). For example, the module surface 74 of the platform
70 may be configured to engage the side 54 (FIG. 1) of the housing
20 (FIG. 1) of the pluggable module 12 to thermally communicate the
heat sink 36 with the pluggable module 12. Moreover, and for
example, the module surface 74 alternatively may be configured to
engage a thermal interface material (not shown) that also engages
the side 54 of the pluggable module 12.
[0026] The sink surface 72 of the module side 52 of the heat sink
36 includes segments 82a, 82b, 82c, and 82d that intersect a
perimeter edge 84 of the sink surface 72. As will be described in
more detail below, the segments 82a-d define portions of the
interface 64 between the mounting side 50 (FIGS. 1 and 4-8) of the
cage 34 and the module side 52 of the heat sink 36.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, the platform 70 includes four
side walls 76a, 76b, 76c, and 76d, such that the platform 70
generally has the overall shape of a parallelepiped. But, the
platform 70 may include any number of side walls 76 that provides
the platform 70 with any other overall shape, which may or may not
be complementary with the shape of the opening 66 within the cage
34. While in the exemplary embodiment the sink surface 72 of the
module side 52 of the heat sink 36 includes four segments 82a, 82b,
82c, and 82d that extend along a generally rectangular path along
the module side 52, the surface 72 may include any number of
segments 82 arranged in any other shape than is shown herein,
wherein such other shape may or may not be complementary with the
shape of the EMI gasket 38 and/or the cage 34.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the EMI gasket 38. The EMI gasket
38 includes a base 90 and the electrically conductive spring
fingers 78. The base 90 extends along a central axis 92 from a side
94 and an opposite side 96. The side 94 of the base 90 is
configured to engage the sink surface 72 (FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 8) of
the module side 52 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-8) of the heat sink 36 (FIGS.
1, 2, and 4-8). The base 90 includes a central opening 98 that is
configured to receive the platform 70 (FIGS. 2 and 7) of the heat
sink 36 therein. The base 90 includes a perimeter 100 and an
interior edge 102. The base 90 is defined by one or more segments
104. In the exemplary embodiment, the base 90 includes four
segments 104, namely the segments 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d. The
perimeter 100 includes one or more corners 106. In the exemplary
embodiment, the perimeter 100 includes four corners 106. Ends 108
of adjacent segments 104 are interconnected at corresponding ones
of the corners 106. Each of the segments 104a-d may be referred to
herein as a "first" and/or a "second" segment.
[0029] The base 90 may include one or more interference ribs 110
that extend from the interior edge 102 of the base 90 into the
central opening 98. In other words, the interference ribs 110
extend from the interior edge 102 radially inward relative to the
central axis 92. The interference ribs 110 are configured to engage
the side walls 76 (FIG. 2) of the platform 70 of the heat sink 36
to mechanically connect the EMI gasket 38 to the module side 52 of
heat sink 36, as will be described below.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the segments 104a-d of the base
90 define a single continuous structure. Alternatively, one or more
segments 104a, 104b, 104c, and/or 104d is separate and distinct
from one or more other segments 104a, 104b, 104c, and/or 104d. As
used herein, a segment 104 is "separate and distinct" from another
segment 104 if the segments 104 do not form a continuous structure.
Segments 104 that are separate and distinct from each other may
engage each other and/or be mechanically connected together with a
suitable fastener (e.g., an adhesive, a clip, and/or the like) when
the EMI gasket 38 is positioned along the interface 64 (FIGS. 5, 6,
and 8).
[0031] The electrically conductive spring fingers 78 extend outward
from the base 90. Specifically, the spring fingers 78 extend
radially outward (relative to the central axis 92) from the
perimeter 100 of the base 90. In the exemplary embodiment, the
spring fingers 78 extend from the base 90 along an approximate
entirety of the length of the perimeter 100 of the base 90. But, in
some alternative embodiments, only one or more portions of the
length of the perimeter 100 includes spring fingers 78 extending
therefrom.
[0032] The spring fingers 78 extend from the base 90 to free ends
112. Each spring finger 78 includes an interface 114 at which the
spring finger 78 is configured to engage the mounting side 50
(FIGS. 1, 4, and 6-8) of the cage 34 (FIGS. 1 and 4-8). The free
end 112 and the interface 114 of each spring finger 78 is
resiliently deflectable in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 3
from a natural resting position to a deflected position. The spring
fingers 78 are shown in the natural resting positions in FIG. 3. As
will be described below, the spring fingers 78 are resiliently
compressible between the mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and the
module side 52 of the heat sink 36.
[0033] The spring fingers 78 include spring fingers 78a that extend
from the segments 104a-104d of the base 90 and spring fingers 78b
that extend from the base 90 at the corners 106 of the perimeter
100. In the exemplary embodiment, each segment 104a-104d of the
base 90 includes a plurality of spring fingers 78 that extend
therefrom. A spring finger 78a extends from the base 90 at each end
108 of each segment 104a-104d. A gap G is defined at each corner
106 between the spring fingers 78a that extends at the ends 108 of
the adjacent segments 104. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the spring
fingers 78b extend within the gap G of the corresponding corner
106. The spring fingers 78b may facilitate reducing an amount of
EMI leakage that leaks through the corners 106 of the EMI gasket
38. Each of the spring fingers 78b may be referred to herein as a
"corner spring finger", while each of the spring fingers 78a that
extends at an end 108 of a segment 104 may be referred to herein as
an "end spring finger".
[0034] Any number of spring fingers 78b may extend within each gap
G. In other words, each corner 106 may include any number of spring
fingers 78b. In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of spring
fingers 78b extend within each gap G such that each corner 106
includes a plurality of spring fingers 78b. The spring fingers 78b
of each corner 106 may have any pattern, arrangement, geometry,
and/or the like within the corresponding gap G. In the exemplary
embodiment, at least one spring finger 78b of each corner 106
extends from the base 90 at an oblique angle relative to at least
one of the spring fingers 78a, as is illustrated in FIG. 3. One
example of a pattern, arrangement, and/or the like of spring
fingers 78b within a gap G includes the fan-shaped pattern shown
herein. Specifically, the spring fingers 78b extend along the
corresponding corner 106 in a fan-shaped pattern wherein the spring
fingers 78b extend along radii that are incrementally spaced-apart
along the corner 106. Other patterns, arrangements, and/or the like
of the spring fingers 78b within a gap G may be provided.
[0035] The spring fingers 78b optionally extend from corner sheets
116 that extend from the perimeter 100 of the base 90 at the
corners 106. Specifically, at each corner 106, a corner sheet 116
extends from the base 90 to an end 118. The spring fingers 78b
extend radially outward from the end 118 of the corner sheet 116 of
the corresponding corner 106. In some alternative embodiments, one
or more of the corners 106 does not include a corner sheet 116,
such that the spring fingers 78b of the corner 106 extend directly
from the perimeter 100 of the base 90.
[0036] As shown herein, the EMI gasket 38 generally has a
rectangular shape, which is defined by the four segments 104a-d.
But, the EMI gasket 38 may include any other shape, whether or not
the shape of the EMI gasket 38 is complementary with the shape of
the platform 70. Moreover, the EMI gasket 38 may include any other
number of segments 104 besides four.
[0037] The EMI gasket 38 may be fabricated from any materials that
enable the EMI gasket 38 to be electrically conductive. The EMI
gasket 38 may be fabricated using any method, process, structure,
means, and/or the like, such as, but not limited to, using a
cutting process, using a casting process, using a die-casting
process, using a molding process, using a forming process, and/or
the like. Cutting processes include, but are not limited to, water
cutting, stamping, laser cutting, blanking, punching, cutting using
a saw, drill bit, plane, mill, and/or other solid cutting tool,
and/or the like. Forming processes include, but are not limited to,
drawing, bending, stamping, and/or the like. In some embodiments,
the EMI gasket 38 is a cut and formed gasket that is cut from a
material and then formed to include the shape of the EMI gasket 38.
In some embodiments, the spring fingers 78 are integrally formed
with the base 90, for example using a stamping and forming
process.
[0038] Referring again to FIG. 2, the EMI gasket 38 is shown
mounted to the heat sink 36. The side 94 of the base 90 of the EMI
gasket 38 is engaged with the sink surface 72 of the module side 52
of the heat sink 36. More specifically, at the side 94, the
segments 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d of the EMI gasket 38 are
engaged with the segments 82a, 82b, 82c, and 82d, respectively, of
the sink surface 72. The engagement between the side 94 and the
sink surface 72 optionally electrically connects the EMI gasket 38
to the heat sink 36. The EMI gasket 38 extends around the perimeter
88 of the platform 70. As can be seen in FIG. 2, in the exemplary
embodiment, the EMI gasket 38 extends around an entirety of the
perimeter 88 of the platform 70. But, the EMI gasket 38
alternatively may extend around only a portion of the perimeter 88
of the platform 70. Optionally, the EMI gasket 38 is engaged with
the side walls 76 of the platform 70.
[0039] The EMI gasket 38 is optionally mechanically connected to
the heat sink 36. In the exemplary embodiment, the EMI gasket 38 is
mechanically connected to the heat sink 36 via an interference fit.
Specifically, the interference ribs 110 (FIG. 3) of the EMI gasket
engage the side walls 76 of the platform 70 with an interference
fit. In addition or alternative to the interference fit, the EMI
gasket 38 is optionally mechanically connected to the heat sink 36
using a fastener (such as, but not limited to, an adhesive and/or
the like) and/or using a snap-fit with the side walls 76 of the
platform 70. The mechanical connection between the EMI gasket 38
and the heat sink 36 optionally electrically connects the EMI
gasket 38 to the heat sink 36.
[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1, the upper wall 68 of the cage 34
includes a cage surface 120 that defines the mounting side 50 of
the cage 34. The cage surface 120 of the mounting side 50 includes
segments 122. Namely, the cage surface 120 includes the segments
122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d. As will be described in more detail
below, the segments 122 define portions of the interface 64 (FIGS.
5, 6, and 8) between the mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and the
module side 52 of the heat sink 36. While the cage surface 120
includes four segments 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d in the exemplary
embodiment, the cage surface 120 may include any number of segments
122 arranged in any other shape than is shown herein, wherein such
other shape may or may not be complementary with the shape of the
EMI gasket 38 and/or the heat sink 36.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle
assembly 14 mounted on the host circuit board 16. The pluggable
module 12 has been omitted from FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an assembled view
of the receptacle assembly 14 and the host circuit board 16 that
illustrates the receptacle assembly 14 in a state wherein the
pluggable module 12 is not mated therewith (i.e., not received or
held within the internal compartment 44). The heat sink 36 is
mounted to the mounting side 50 of the cage 34 using the mounting
clips 56. Although not visible in FIG. 4, the platform 70 (FIGS. 2
and 7) extends through the opening 66 (FIGS. 1 and 5) within the
mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and into the internal compartment
44. The module side 52 of the heat sink 36 faces the mounting side
50 of the cage 34, such that the sink surface 72 (FIGS. 2, 5, 6,
and 8) of the heat sink 36 faces the cage surface 120 of the cage
34. The segments 82 (FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 8) of the sink surface 72
face, and are at least partially aligned with, the corresponding
segments 122 (FIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 8) of the cage surface 120.
[0042] Although not visible in FIG. 4, the EMI gasket 38 (FIGS. 1-3
and 5-8) is held between the mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and
the module side 52 of the heat sink 36. The heat sink 36 is seated
on and engaged with the EMI gasket 38. The spring fingers 78 (FIGS.
1-3 and 5-8) of the EMI gasket 38 are resiliently compressed
between the mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and the module side 52
of the heat sink 36. The spring fingers 78 are engaged with, and
thereby electrically connected to, the cage surface 120 of the cage
34. The position of the EMI gasket 38 between the mounting side 50
and the module side 52, the seating and engagement between the EMI
gasket 38 and the heat sink 36, the compression of the spring
fingers 78 between the mounting side 50 and the module side 52, and
the engagement between the spring fingers 78 and the cage surface
120 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS.
5-8.
[0043] In some embodiments, the EMI gasket 38 is mounted to the
heat sink 36 before the heat sink 36 is mounted to the cage 34. For
example, the EMI gasket 38 may be mechanically connected to the
heat sink 36 (e.g., as described above) or may be held on the heat
sink 36 by a person and/or machine before the heat sink 36 is
mounted to the cage 34. In other embodiments, the EMI gasket 38 is
first positioned on the cage 34 and the heat sink 36 is thereafter
mounted to the cage 34. The EMI gasket 38 is optionally
mechanically connected to the mounting side 50 of the cage 34, for
example as described above with respect to the optional mechanical
connections of the EMI gasket 38 to the heat sink 36.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the EMI gasket 38 as
held between the mounting side 50 (not labeled in FIG. 5) of the
cage 34 and the module side 52 (not labeled in FIG. 5) of the heat
sink 36 when the receptacle assembly 14 is not mated with the
pluggable module 12 (FIGS. 1 and 7). The interface 64 between the
mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and the module side 52 of the heat
sink 36 is defined from the segments 82a, 82b, 82c, and 82d of the
sink surface 72 to the corresponding segments 122a, 122b, 122c, and
122d of the cage surface 94. In other words, the interface 64 is
defined between the segments 82 and the corresponding segments
122.
[0045] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the segments 82a, 82b, 82c, and
82d face and are aligned with the respective segments 122a, 122b,
122c, and 122d. The interface 64 follows a path that has a radially
(e.g., relative to a central axis 128) outer boundary defined by
the perimeter edge 84 of the heat sink 36. Side edges 124 (also
labeled in FIG. 1) of the mounting side 50 of the cage 34 also
define the radially outer boundary of the path of the interface 64.
Although shown as being aligned with the corresponding segments of
the perimeter edge 84 of the sink surface 72 of the heat sink 36,
alternatively one or both of the side edges 124 may not be aligned
with the corresponding segment of the perimeter edge 84. The
interface 64 follows a path that has a radially inner boundary
defined by an interior edge 130 (also labeled in FIG. 1) that
defines the opening 66 of the cage 34. The interface 64 thus
extends around the opening 66. In the exemplary embodiment, the
interface 64 generally follows a rectangular path, but the
interface 64 may follow any other shaped path, which may or may not
be complementary with the shape of the EMI gasket 38, the cage 34,
and/or the heat sink 36.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 4 and also illustrating the EMI gasket 38 held between the
heat sink 36 and the cage 34 when the receptacle assembly 14 is not
mated with the pluggable module 12 (FIGS. 1 and 7). As can be seen
in FIG. 6, the EMI gasket 38 is held between the mounting side 50
of the cage 34 and the module side 52 of the heat sink 36. The side
94 of the base 90 of the EMI gasket 38 is engaged with the sink
surface 72 of the module side 52 of the heat sink 36 when the
receptacle assembly 14 is not mated with the pluggable module 12.
The spring fingers 78 have been resiliently deflected in the
direction of the arrow A such that the spring fingers 78 are
resiliently compressed between the heat sink 36 and the cage 34.
The interfaces 114 of the spring fingers 78 are engaged with the
cage surface 120 such that the spring fingers 78 are, and thus the
EMI gasket 38 is, electrically connected to the cage 34 along the
interface 64. The interface 64 includes a gap G.sub.1 between the
mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and the module side 52 of the heat
sink 36. More specifically, the gap G.sub.1 extends from the
segments 82 of the sink surface 72 to the corresponding segments
122 of the cage surface 120. The spring fingers 78 may be
compressed by any amount when the receptacle assembly 14 is not
mated with the pluggable module 12.
[0047] Referring again to FIG. 5, the EMI gasket 38 extends along
the interface 64. More specifically, the spring fingers 78 extend
along the respective segments 82a, 82b, 82c, and 82d of the heat
sink 36 and along the respective segments 122a, 122b, 122c, and
122d of the cage 34. The EMI gasket 38 extends along the radially
inner and outer boundaries of the interface 64. In the exemplary
embodiment, the EMI gasket 38 extends along an entirety of the path
of the interface 64, but the EMI gasket 38 alternatively may extend
along only one or more portions of the path of the interface
64.
[0048] In the exemplary embodiment, the EMI gasket 38 extends along
the interface 64 within the interface 64. In other words, the EMI
gasket 38 is disposed between the radially inner and radially outer
boundaries of the interface 64. In some embodiments, a portion of
the EMI gasket 38 is disposed outside the interface 64 (i.e.,
radially outside the radially outer boundary of the interface 64).
Moreover, in some embodiments, a portion of the EMI gasket 38 is
disposed inside the interface 64 (i.e., radially inside the
radially inner boundary of the interface 64).
[0049] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the transceiver assembly
10 illustrating the receptacle assembly 14 in a state wherein the
pluggable module 12 is mated therewith (i.e., is received and held
within the internal compartment 44). As the pluggable module 12 is
inserted into the internal compartment 44 of the cage 34,
engagement between the module 12 and the platform 70 of the heat
sink 36 moves the heat sink 36 such that the module side 52 of the
heat sink 36 moves in a direction away from the mounting side 50 of
the cage 34, which is indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 7. In
embodiments wherein the heat sink 36 and the pluggable module 12
thermally communicate via a thermal interface material, engagement
of the thermal interface material with the module 12 or the heat
sink 36 may cause the movement of the heat sink 36 relative to the
cage 34.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.
When the pluggable module 12 (FIGS. 1 and 7) is mated with the
receptacle assembly 14, the EMI gasket 38 is held between the
mounting side 50 of the cage 34 and the module side 52 of the heat
sink 36. The movement of the heat sink 36 relative to the cage 34
causes the spring fingers 78 of the EMI gasket 38 to at least
partially uncompress by any amount. Accordingly, and as can be seen
from a comparison of FIGS. 6 and 8, the spring fingers 78 are
compressed a greater amount when the pluggable module 12 is not
mated with the receptacle assembly 14 and are compressed a lesser
amount when the pluggable module 12 is mated with the receptacle
assembly 14.
[0051] When the pluggable module 12 is mated with the receptacle
assembly 14, the side 94 of the base 90 of the EMI gasket 38 is
engaged with the sink surface 72 of the module side 52 of the heat
sink 36. The spring fingers 78 are resiliently compressed between
the heat sink 36 and the cage 34. The interfaces 114 of the spring
fingers 78 are engaged with the cage surface 120 such that the
spring fingers 78 are, and thus the EMI gasket 38 is, electrically
connected to the cage 34 along the interface 64. The interface 64
includes a gap G.sub.2 between the mounting side 50 of the cage 34
and the module side 52 of the heat sink 36. More specifically, the
gap G.sub.2 extends from the segments 82 of the sink surface 72 to
the corresponding segments 122 of the cage surface 120. As should
be apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 6 and 8, the gap G.sub.2 is
greater than the gap G.sub.1. The spring fingers 78 may be
compressed by any amount when the receptacle assembly 14 is mated
with the pluggable module 12.
[0052] As should be apparent from the above description as well as
the Figures, when the pluggable module 12 is mated with the
receptacle assembly 14, the EMI gasket 38 extends along the
interface 64 in a substantially similar manner to that described
above when the pluggable module 12 is not mated with the receptacle
assembly 14.
[0053] The EMI gasket 38 facilitates blocking EMI emissions from
leaking out from the interior compartment 44 of the cage 34 through
the interface 64. More specifically, EMI gasket 38 facilitates
blocking EMI emissions from leaking out from the interior
compartment 44 (FIGS. 1 and 7) between the sink surface 72 of the
heat sink 36 and the cage surface 120 of the cage 34.
[0054] The spring fingers 78 may be capable of retaining the
resilience thereof through a wide variety of temperature ranges,
temperature extremes, and/or the like. For example, the spring
fingers 78 may retain the resilience thereof through a temperature
range of between approximately -25.degree. C. and approximately
150.degree. C., above an approximate temperature of -25.degree. C.,
and/or below an approximate temperature of 150.degree. C. The
ability of the spring fingers 78 to retain the resilience thereof
through a wide variety of temperature ranges, temperature extremes,
and/or the like may facilitate preventing mechanical failure of the
EMI gasket 38. For example, the ability of the spring fingers 78 to
retain the resilience thereof through a wide variety of temperature
ranges, temperature extremes, and/or the like may facilitate
preventing the spring fingers 78 from losing of the ability to
remain engaged with the cage 34 when the pluggable module 12 forces
the heat sink 36 to move in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 7.
The EMI gasket 38 may be capable of retaining the electrically
conductivity thereof through a wide variety of temperature ranges,
temperature extremes, and/or the like. For example, the EMI gasket
38 may retain the electrical conductivity thereof through a
temperature range of between approximately -25.degree. C. and
approximately 150.degree. C., above an approximate temperature of
-25.degree. C., and/or below an approximate temperature of
150.degree. C.
[0055] The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may
provide a transceiver assembly that experiences a reduced amount of
leakage of EMI emissions from between an interface between a cage
and a heat sink of the transceiver assembly.
[0056] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions,
types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the
number and positions of the various components described herein are
intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no
means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other
embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing
the above description. The scope of the invention should,
therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims,
along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in
which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective
terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following
claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used
merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the
following claims are not written in means--plus-function format and
are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112,
sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly
use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void
of further structure.
* * * * *