A transceiver assembly for use in fiber optic communications systems where
multiple optical fibers are used in transmitting and receiving optical
signals. The assembly is adapted for being mechanically and optically
connected with a ferrule supporting a set of optical communications
fibers. The transceiver assembly supports an optoelectronic device having
a corresponding set of photoactive components which are operative for
either converting photonic signals to electrical signals (in a receiver)
or converting electrical signals to photonic signals (in a transmitter).
The transceiver assembly includes a frame section having a carrier which
is precisely fabricated for supporting the optoelectronic device and
includes an alignment structure for cooperating with the optical ferrule
to align the photoactive components with the fibers in the ferrule. The
frame section is part of a larger carrier assembly including a multilayer
circuit board which may include a microcontroller chip, an edge connector
for electrically connecting with a computer or communications system and
a flex circuit which provides communications lines linking the frame
section, circuit board and edge connector.