Molded lead frame connector with one or more passive components
View Patent ↗Exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrate lead frame connectors for connecting optical sub-assemblies to printed circuit boards in optical transceiver modules. The lead frame connectors include a conductive lead structure that is encased in a plurality of polymer casings. The polymer casings provide electrical insulation for the conductors in the lead frame as well as mechanical support for the finished component. One or more passive components can mount to the conductors of the lead frame connector to aid with impedance matching between an optical sub-assembly, the lead frame connector, and the printed circuit board. The lead frame connectors connect to the leads associated with the optical sub-assemblies and are surface mounted onto the printed circuit board to establish connectivity between the optical sub-assembly and the printed circuit board.
1. A lead frame connector for connecting an optical sub-assembly to a printed circuit board, the lead frame connector comprising:
an electrically insulating housing having a first part and a second part;
a plurality of conductors electrically isolated one from another by the electrically insulating housing, each conductor of the plurality of conductors having a first end disposed in the first part with a hole to receive a portion of the optical sub-assembly and a second end extending from the second part; and
at least one passive component mounted to one or more of the plurality of conductors, the at least one passive component comprising at least one of a resistor, a capacitor, and an inductor.
2. A lead frame connector as defined in claim 1 , wherein the electrically insulating housing comprises polymer.
3. A lead frame connector as defined in claim 1 , further comprising at least one connector conductor, the at least one connector conductor having a hole that receives a lead of the optical sub-assembly.
4. A lead frame connector as defined in claim 3 , wherein at least one of the plurality of conductors have a stepped configuration between the first end and the second end.
5. A lead frame connector as defined in claim 3 , wherein at least one of the plurality of conductors is bent during assembly of the optoelectronic device.
6. A lead frame connector as defined in claim 5 , wherein one or more of the conductors of the plurality of conductors has a first end and a second end, the second end being formed to contact an electrical contact of the printed circuit board.
7. A lead frame connector as defined in claim 5 , wherein the lead frame is connected to the printed circuit board with a leadless lead solder.