Connecting mid-board optical modules

A system for connecting a fiber optic cable to a laminate has a clip which attaches to a cover on the circuit board. The clip supports ferrules which are connected to a photonic device on the board. The clip has a backplane which supports retainers which hold the ferrules. The clip also has mating attachments for connecting to the cover. The cover additionally serves as a heat dissipater, which can include heat from the photonic device. An adapter is connected to the cover and receives the ferrules supported by the clip. The adapter connects to a standard connector, such as an LC connector. The adapter can be positioned at the edge of the laminate, or can be attached at an angle extending from an interior region of a circuit board to which the laminate is mounted.