PCIe extension cord and PCIe device with extension cord

Abstract

The invention discloses a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) extension cord and PCIe equipment with the extension cord. The PCIe extension line comprises a first end, a second end and an optical fiber, the first end comprises a first PCIe connector and a photoelectric module, the first PCIe connector comprises a differential signal pair used for sending and a differential signal pair used for receiving, and the photoelectric module of the first end is connected with the differential signal pair used for sending and the differential signal pair used for receiving of the first end; the second end comprises a second PCIe connector and a photoelectric module, the second PCIe connector comprises a differential signal pair for sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the photoelectric module at the second end is connected with the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving at the second end; the optical fiber is used for connecting the photoelectric module at the first end and the photoelectric module at the second end. Through the scheme disclosed by the invention, the PCIe signal can be converted into the optical signal for transmission, so that long-distance and efficient transmission of the PCIe signal is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of cable technology. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device with an extension cable. Background Art

[0002] In modern industries and the information industry, high-speed, large-capacity, medium- and short-distance data transmission technologies are widely used. Among them, PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard, which is widely used as a general communication protocol in computer devices. However, this PCIe bus is generally an in-board high-speed bus, and its application scenarios have certain limitations.

[0003] For example, in the application scenario of industrial cameras, in order to expand the transmission bandwidth from the industrial camera to the host, improve the quality of the captured images, and be able to utilize the mature development environment and high real-time performance advantages of PCIe, some industrial cameras adopt PCIe interfaces. However, in specific applications, the placement position of the industrial camera needs to be far from the host, and the current PCIe bus that can only be used as an in-board high-speed bus obviously cannot meet the above application requirements of such industrial cameras. Another example is in the application scenarios of some medical devices such as CT. The hosts of these medical devices are usually placed in the examination room, while the corresponding displays, keyboards, mice and other peripherals are outside the examination room, and even long-distance separation between the peripherals and the host needs to be supported. However, the controllers (such as graphics cards) in the host used to control these peripherals are generally PCIe devices, which cannot support the application requirements of long-distance communication between the host and the peripherals.

[0004] Therefore, in the related art, traditional optical module technology is used to achieve the extension of PCIe signals. Among them, the traditional optical module technology requires special driver chips to realize the conversion of electrical signals. Limited by problems such as large volume, high power consumption and high cost of the optical module itself, the technical implementation effect of this optical module technology is poor, its practicability is not strong, and there are still great limitations in use.

[0005] In view of this, there is an urgent need to provide a PCIe extension cable to support the efficient and long-distance transmission of PCIe signals. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve at least one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems, this disclosure proposes a PCIe extension cable that supports the efficient and long-distance transmission of PCIe signals in multiple aspects.

[0007] In a first aspect, a PCIe extension cable is provided, characterized in that it includes: a first end, the first end includes a first PCIe connector and an optoelectronic module, the first PCIe connector includes a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception, and the optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the first end; a second end, the second end includes a second PCIe connector and an optoelectronic module, the second PCIe connector includes a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception, and the optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the second end; and an optical fiber for connecting the optoelectronic module at the first end and the optoelectronic module at the second end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic module at the first end is configured to convert the differential signals of the differential signal pair for transmission at the first end into optical signals, and the optical signals are transmitted by the optical fiber to the optoelectronic module at the second end; the optoelectronic module at the second end is configured to convert the optical signals into differential signals and transmit them to the differential signal pair for reception at the second end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic module at the first end is configured to convert the optical signals from the optical fiber into differential signals and transmit them to the differential signal pair for reception at the first end; the optoelectronic module at the second end is configured to convert the differential signals of the differential signal pair for transmission at the second end into optical signals and transmit them by the optical fiber to the optoelectronic module at the first end.

[0010] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic module includes an optoelectronic conversion unit, an electro-optical conversion unit, and an optical component, the optoelectronic conversion unit is configured to convert the received optical signals into differential signals; the electro-optical conversion unit is configured to convert the received differential signals into optical signals; the optoelectronic conversion unit and / or the electro-optical conversion unit are coupled to the optical fiber through the optical component.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic module at the first end includes a first optoelectronic module, and the optoelectronic module at the second end includes a second optoelectronic module; the optical fiber includes at least three; the first optoelectronic module includes two electro-optical conversion units and one optoelectronic conversion unit; the second optoelectronic module includes two optoelectronic conversion units and one electro-optical conversion unit; the two electro-optical conversion units of the first optoelectronic module are respectively connected to one of the two optoelectronic conversion units of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber, and the optoelectronic conversion unit of the first optoelectronic module is connected to the electro-optical conversion unit of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber.

[0012] In some embodiments, the optical and electrical module at the first end includes a first optical and electrical module and a third optical and electrical module, and the optical and electrical module at the second end includes a second optical and electrical module and a third optical and electrical module; the optical fiber includes at least five; the first optical and electrical module includes two of the electro-optical conversion units and one of the opto-electrical conversion units; the second optical and electrical module includes two of the opto-electrical conversion units and one of the electro-optical conversion units; the third optical and electrical module includes one of the opto-electrical conversion units and one of the electro-optical conversion units; one of the two electro-optical conversion units of the first optical and electrical module is respectively connected to one of the two opto-electrical conversion units of the second optical and electrical module through an optical fiber, the opto-electrical conversion unit of the first optical and electrical module is connected to the electro-optical conversion unit of the second optical and electrical module through an optical fiber, the electro-optical conversion unit of the third optical and electrical module at the first end is connected to the opto-electrical conversion unit of the third optical and electrical module at the second end through an optical fiber, and the opto-electrical conversion unit of the third optical and electrical module at the first end is connected to the electro-optical conversion unit of the third optical and electrical module at the second end through an optical fiber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first end includes a first optical and electrical module and 1, 3, 7 or 15 third optical and electrical modules; the second end includes a second optical and electrical module and 1, 3, 7 or 15 third optical and electrical modules.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first optical and electrical module is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception of PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the first PCIe connector; the second optical and electrical module is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception of PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the second PCIe connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first optical and electrical module is further connected to the differential signal pair for transmitting a clock signal of the first PCIe connector; the second optical and electrical module is further connected to the differential signal pair for transmitting a clock signal of the second PCIe connector.

[0016] In some embodiments, the two electro-optical conversion units of the first optical and electrical module are respectively connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for transmitting a clock signal of PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the first PCIe connector; the two opto-electrical conversion units of the second optical and electrical module are respectively connected to the differential signal pair for reception and the differential signal pair for transmitting a clock signal of PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the second PCIe connector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the number of the third optoelectronic modules at the first end and the number of the third optoelectronic modules at the second end are both n, where n = 1, 3, 7, or 15; the electro-optical conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the first PCIe connector; the opto-electronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the first PCIe connector; the electro-optical conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector; the opto-electronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector; where i = 1, 2, …, n.

[0018] In some embodiments, one optoelectronic module at the first end and one optoelectronic module at the second end are connected by an optical fiber to form an optoelectronic module pair, and the optical fiber lengths between different optoelectronic module pairs are the same.

[0019] In some embodiments, the differential signal transmission distances from the differential signal pair of the PCIe channel j of the first PCIe connector to the differential signal pair of the PCIe channel j (LANEj) of the second PCIe connector are the same, where j = 0, 1, 2, ….

[0020] In some embodiments, between different optoelectronic module pairs, the sum of the distances from the optoelectronic module at the first end to the first PCIe connector and the distance from the corresponding optoelectronic module at the second end to the second PCIe connector is equal.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first end includes a first circuit board, and a first side of the first circuit board is closer to the optical fiber than other sides of the first circuit board; the first optoelectronic module at the first end is farther from the first side than the third optoelectronic module at the first end; the second end includes a second circuit board, and a second side of the second circuit board is closer to the optical fiber than other sides of the second circuit board; the second optoelectronic module at the second end is closer to the first side than the third optoelectronic module at the second end.

[0022] In some embodiments, the third optoelectronic module at the first end is farther from or closer to the first side than other third optoelectronic modules, and the corresponding third optoelectronic module at the second end in the same optoelectronic module pair is closer to or farther from the second side than other third optoelectronic modules.

[0023] In some embodiments, the optical - electrical module at the first end obtains power from the first PCIe connector at the first end; the second end further includes a third connector, and the optical - electrical module at the second end obtains power from the third connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, the optical - electrical module at the first end obtains power from the first PCIe connector at the first end; the second end further includes a y - cable, and the optical - electrical module at the second end obtains power from the y - cable.

[0025] In some embodiments, only an optical fiber is used to connect the first end and the second end.

[0026] In some embodiments, the extension cable further includes a metal wire connecting the first end and the second end, which is used to correspondingly connect other signals except the differential signal pairs of the first PCIe connector at the first end and the second PCIe connector at the second end.

[0027] In a second aspect, a PCIe device with an extension cable is provided, which is characterized by including: a first end, where the first end includes a first PCIe connector and an optical - electrical module, the first PCIe connector includes a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception, and the optical - electrical module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the first end; a second end, where the second end includes an optical - electrical module, a differential signal pair for transmission, a differential signal pair for reception, and a PCIe device, and the optical - electrical module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the second end; and an optical fiber, which is used to connect the optical - electrical module at the first end and the optical - electrical module at the second end.

[0028] In a third aspect, a PCIe device with an extension cable is provided, which is characterized by including: a PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device; the PCIe extension cable is the PCIe extension cable according to any one of the embodiments in the first aspect above; the PCIe device is connected to the second PCIe connector at the second end of the PCIe extension cable.

[0029] In some embodiments, the PCIe device is an electronic device supporting the PCIe protocol.

[0030] In a fourth aspect, a signal transmission method for a PCIe extension cable is provided, characterized in that the PCIe extension cable is the PCIe extension cable described in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect above, and the method includes: in response to receiving a differential signal from a differential signal for transmission, the optoelectronic module at the first end converts the differential signal into an optical signal, and the optical signal is transmitted by the optical fiber to the optoelectronic module at the second end; in response to receiving the optical signal, the optoelectronic module at the second end converts the optical signal into a differential signal and transmits it to the differential signal pair of the differential signal for reception at the second end.

[0031] With the PCIe extension cable provided as above, embodiments of the present disclosure can respectively integrate PCIe connectors and optoelectronic modules at both ends of the PCIe extension cable, and based on the cooperation among the PCIe connectors, optoelectronic modules and optical fibers, convert the PCIe signal into an optical signal for transmission, thereby realizing long-distance and efficient transmission of the PCIe signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] By reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily understood. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in an exemplary rather than restrictive manner, and the same or corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 6 A distribution diagram of the optical modules at both ends of the PCIe extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0039] Figure 7 An exploded view of the structure of the TX end of the PCIe extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0040] Figure 8 Shows an exploded view of the structure of the RX end of a PCIe extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 9 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a PCIe device with an extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 10 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a PCIe device with an extension cable according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 11 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a PCIe device with an extension cable according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0044] Figure 12 Shows a schematic flowchart of a signal transmission method for a PCIe extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation manners

[0045] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] It should be understood that the terms "including" and "comprising" used in the specification and claims of the present disclosure indicate the presence of the described features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or their combinations.

[0047] It should also be understood that the terms used in the specification of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used in the specification and claims of the present disclosure, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term " / and / " used in the specification and claims of the present disclosure refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes these combinations.

[0048] As used in this specification and the claims, the term "if" may be construed, depending on the context, as "when" or "once" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting". Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be construed, depending on the context, to mean "once determined" or "in response to determining" or "once [described condition or event] is detected" or "in response to detecting [described condition or event]".

[0049] First, explanations of technical terms that may be used in this disclosure are given.

[0050] PCIe Lane: Refers to a group of differential signal pairs, including a differential signal pair for transmitting signals and a differential signal pair for receiving signals. The differential signal pair for transmitting includes two lines, TX+ and TX-, and the differential signal pair for receiving includes two lines, RX+ and RX-. Therefore, a LANE has four physical connections. Within a LANE, the transmission and reception of differential signals can occur simultaneously.

[0051] The following describes in detail the specific embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0053] As Figure 1 shown, the PCIe extension cable 100 may include a first end, a second end, and an optical fiber. Among them, the first end of the PCIe extension cable 100 may include a first PCIe connector 101 and an optoelectronic module 102. The first PCIe connector 101 includes a differential signal pair for transmitting and a differential signal pair for receiving. The optoelectronic module 102 at the first end is connected to the differential signal pairs for transmitting and receiving at the first end.

[0054] The second end of the PCIe extension cable 100 may include a second PCIe connector 103 and an optoelectronic module 104. Among them, the second PCIe connector 103 includes a differential signal pair for transmitting and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the optoelectronic module 104 at the second end is connected to the differential signal pairs for transmitting and receiving at the second end.

[0055] The optical fiber 105 in the PCIe extension cable 100 may be used to connect the optoelectronic module 102 at the first end and the optoelectronic module 104 at the second end.

[0056] In this embodiment, the PCIe extension cable 100 may include a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception at each end (e.g., the first end and the second end), that is, at least one PCIe lane. Among them, the aforementioned differential signal pair for transmission can be understood as a differential signal pair for transmitting signals, such as two lines TX+ and TX-. The aforementioned differential signal pair for reception can be understood as a differential signal pair for receiving signals, such as two lines RX+ and RX-.

[0057] The optical and electrical modules (e.g., optical and electrical module 103, optical and electrical module 104) at each end of the PCIe extension cable 100 can support converting optical signals into electrical signals and / or converting electrical signals into optical signals. The optical and electrical modules at each end can be connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at this end, and the optical and electrical modules at different ends can be connected by optical fibers to perform optical / electrical or electro-optical conversion processing on the signals transmitted through the differential signal pairs or optical fibers.

[0058] In practical applications, there can be various signal transmission methods in the PCIe extension cable 100. In some embodiments, for example, according to the transmission direction from the first end to the second end, the optical and electrical module 102 at the first end can be used to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for transmission at the first end into an optical signal, and this optical signal is transmitted by the optical fiber 105 to the optical and electrical module 104 at the second end. Then, the optical and electrical module 104 at the second end can convert the optical signal into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for reception at the second end.

[0059] In other embodiments, for example, according to the transmission direction from the second end to the first end, the optical and electrical module 104 at the second end can be used to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for transmission at the second end into an optical signal, and it is transmitted by the optical fiber 105 to the optical and electrical module 102 at the first end. Then, the optical and electrical module 102 at the first end can convert the optical signal from the optical fiber 105 into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for reception at the first end.

[0060] Thus, by integrating a PCIe connector and an optical and electrical module at each end of the PCIe extension cable, based on the cooperation between the PCIe connector and the optical and electrical module at one end (e.g., the first end) of the PCIe extension cable, electrical signals such as differential signals can be converted into optical signals, and this optical signal can be transmitted via the optical fiber between the optical and electrical modules to the optical and electrical module at the other end (e.g., the second end) of the PCIe extension cable. Then, the optical signal is restored to a differential signal by the optical and electrical module at the other end of the PCIe extension cable, and this differential signal is continuously transmitted via the PCIe connector at the other end of the PCIe extension cable.

[0061] It can be seen that the solution disclosed in the present disclosure can convert PCIe signals into optical signals for transmission based on the cooperation among the PCIe connector, the optical and electrical module, and the optical fiber, thereby achieving long-distance and efficient transmission of PCIe signals. In addition, in the process of technical implementation of the solution disclosed in the present disclosure, a PCIe extension cable composed of devices such as a PCIe connector, an optical and electrical module, and an optical fiber is adopted to achieve signal extension. These devices in the PCIe extension cable have advantages such as low power consumption and low cost compared with traditional optical modules. Therefore, the hardware overhead in the process of technology implementation can be effectively reduced, and thus the technology implementation cost can be effectively reduced.

[0062] It should be noted that Figure 1 the number of differential signal pairs of each PCIe connector and the number of optical and electrical modules in are only illustrative descriptions. The solution disclosed in the present disclosure does not limit the number of differential signal pairs and the number of optical and electrical modules, and can be specifically adjusted according to application requirements.

[0063] Figure 2 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the PCIe extension cable 200 can be understood as a further limitation or functional expansion of the PCIe extension cable 100. Specifically, Figure 2 it mainly limits the optical and electrical module in the PCIe extension cable. Therefore, the relevant detailed descriptions in the foregoing in combination with Figure 1 also apply to Figure 2 .

[0064] As Figure 2 shown, the PCIe extension cable 200 can include a first end, a second end, and an optical fiber 105. The first end of the PCIe extension cable 200 can include a first PCIe connector 101 and an optical and electrical module 102. The second end of the PCIe extension cable 200 can include a second PCIe connector 103 and an optical and electrical module 104. The optical fiber 105 in the PCIe extension cable 200 can be used to connect the optical and electrical module 102 at the first end and the optical and electrical module 104 at the second end. Details regarding the first PCIe connector 101 and the second PCIe connector 103 can refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing in combination with Figure 1 and will not be elaborated here.

[0065] In this embodiment, the foregoing optical and electrical modules (such as the optical and electrical module 102 and the optical and electrical module 104) can adopt a modular design. Specifically, the optical and electrical module can include an optical-to-electrical conversion unit, an electro-to-optical conversion unit, and an optical component. Among them, the foregoing optical-to-electrical conversion unit can be used to convert the received optical signal into a differential signal, the foregoing electro-to-optical conversion unit can be used to convert the received differential signal into an optical signal, and the foregoing optical-to-electrical conversion unit and / or electro-to-optical conversion unit are coupled to the optical fiber through the optical component.

[0066] Specifically, in some embodiments, the aforementioned photoelectric conversion unit can be implemented by a photoreceiver, and the electro-optical conversion unit can be implemented by an optical transmitter. Among them, the optical transmitter can adopt an optical transmitter such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (abbreviation: VCSEL) to achieve electro-optical conversion. The aforementioned photoreceiver can adopt a photoreceiver such as a photodiode (abbreviation: PD) to achieve photoelectric conversion. The aforementioned optical components can include optical devices (such as a lens lens, etc.).

[0067] In specific applications, the photoelectric conversion unit and the electro-optical conversion unit can be combined with the optical components in various ways to achieve coupling with the optical fiber. For example, when there is an optical fiber fixed mounting groove on an optical device such as a lens lens, the optical fiber can be directly plugged into the lens. For another example, the aforementioned optical components can also include an adapter that can couple an optical signal into the optical fiber. At this time, the optical fiber can be coupled with the lens in a bonding manner through the adapter. It should be noted that the description of the coupling method here is an exemplary description, and the solution of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the optical fiber can also be coupled with the lens in other forms such as a bracket.

[0068] Furthermore, the above-mentioned photoelectric conversion unit, electro-optical conversion unit, and optical device can be modularly designed by means of glue, bonding, etc. In the actual application process, the modularly designed optoelectronic module can be installed as a conventional electrical component (for example, installed by welding or plugging, etc.). The modular design of the optoelectronic component greatly reduces the complexity of the manufacturing process of the PCIe extension cable. And when a certain optoelectronic module fails, it can be quickly repaired by replacing the optoelectronic module, without the need to replace the entire board. In addition, when it is necessary to increase the data path, the expansion of the data path can be achieved without affecting the original structure, increasing the scope of use and convenience.

[0069] As described above, the number of optoelectronic modules in the PCIe extension cable is not limited, and can be specifically set and adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the optoelectronic modules can be correspondingly set according to the number of PCIe channels of the PCIe extension cable. The following combines Figure 3 and Figure 4 to further illustrate the specific structure of the PCIe extension cable.

[0070] Figure 3 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the PCIe extension cable 300 can be understood as a further limitation or functional expansion of the PCIe extension cable 100 or the PCIe extension cable 200. Therefore, the relevant detailed descriptions in the foregoing in combination with Figure 1 and Figure 2 also apply to Figure 3 .

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the PCIe extension line 300 may specifically include a first end (such as Figure 3 A end in), the second end (such as Figure 3 The PCIe extension cable 300 includes an optical fiber 105, which can be used to connect the optical fiber module 102 at the A end and the optical fiber module 104 at the B end.

[0072] In this embodiment, the optoelectronic module 102 may only include a first optoelectronic module (eg Figure 3 The optoelectronic module 0 at the A end of the middle part), the optoelectronic module 104 may only include the second optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 The first optoelectronic module 0 at the B end of the optical fiber 100 is connected to the optical fiber 105. At this time, the first optoelectronic module may include two electro-optical conversion units and one photoelectric conversion unit. The second optoelectronic module may include two photoelectric conversion units and one electro-optical conversion unit. The optical fiber 105 may specifically include three optical fibers, and the two electro-optical conversion units of the first optoelectronic module are respectively connected to one of the two photoelectric conversion units of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber, and the photoelectric conversion unit of the first optoelectronic module is connected to the electro-optical conversion unit of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber.

[0073] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the optoelectronic module 102 may include a first optoelectronic module (eg Figure 3 The optoelectronic module 0 at the middle A end and the third optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 The optoelectronic module 104 may include a second optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 The optoelectronic module 0 at the middle B end and the third optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 The optoelectronic module 1 at the middle B end) includes two optoelectronic conversion units and one electro-optical conversion unit, and the third optoelectronic module includes one optoelectronic conversion unit and one electro-optical conversion unit.

[0074] At this time, the optical fiber 105 includes at least five. Two electro-optical conversion units of the first optoelectronic module are respectively connected to one of the two optoelectronic conversion units of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber. The optoelectronic conversion unit of the first optoelectronic module is connected to the electro-optical conversion unit of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber. The electro-optical conversion unit of the third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the optoelectronic conversion unit of the third optoelectronic module at the second end through an optical fiber. The optoelectronic conversion unit of the third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the electro-optical conversion unit of the third optoelectronic module at the second end through an optical fiber.

[0075] In addition, in Figure 3 , the PCIe connector 101 and the PCIe connector 103 may include multiple PCIe channels (for example, Figure 3 LANE0 and LANE1 in). It should be noted that a LANE (i.e., a PCIe channel) refers to a group of differential signal pairs, including a differential signal pair for transmitting signals and a differential signal pair for receiving signals. Among them, the differential signal pair for transmitting may include two lines, TX+ and TX-, and the differential signal pair for receiving may include two lines, RX+ and RX-. Therefore, one LANE can have four physical connections. In some implementation scenarios, the transmission and reception of differential signals can be carried out simultaneously.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 the optoelectronic module 0 at the A end in) is connected to the differential signal pair for transmitting and the differential signal pair for receiving of the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the first PCIe connector 101. The second optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 the optoelectronic module 0 at the B end in) is connected to the differential signal pair for transmitting and the differential signal pair for receiving of the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the second PCIe connector 103.

[0077] In addition, the first optoelectronic module is also connected to the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the first PCIe connector 101, and the second optoelectronic module is also connected to the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the second PCIe connector 103. For example, in Figure 3Specifically, the signal of the REFCLK pin of the A-end PCIe connector 101 (i.e., the clock signal) can be sent to the optical module 0 in the A-end. After being processed by the optical module 0 in the A-end, the processed signal is transmitted through an optical fiber to the optical module 0 in the B-end. Then, after the optical module 0 in the B-end processes the received signal, it is sent to the REFCLK pin of the B-end PCIe connector 103. At this time, the two electro-optical conversion units of the first optical module are respectively connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the first PCIe connector; the two opto-electronic conversion units of the second optical module are respectively connected to the differential signal pair for reception and the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the second PCIe connector.

[0078] It should be noted that in this embodiment, each PCIe channel in the PCIe connector is independent, and the optical module connected to LANE0 additionally undertakes the task of transmitting the clock signal, while the optical modules connected to other LANEs have the same structure. Thus, communication can still be achieved when the optical modules connected to other LANEs fail, but communication cannot be achieved when the optical module connected to LANE0 fails.

[0079] In addition, Figure 3 it is shown in that the optical module may specifically include a first optical module (such as Figure 3 the optical module 0 at the A-end in Figure 3 or a second optical module (such as Figure 3 the optical module 0 at the B-end in

[0080] ), and a third optical module (such as Figure 3 the optical modules 1 at the A-end and B-end in

[0080] ). In practical applications, the number of the third optical modules at each end of the PCIe extension cable can be 1 or multiple. For example, the first end of the PCIe extension cable includes a first optical module and 1, 3, 7, or 15 third optical modules, and the second end of the PCIe extension cable includes a second optical module and 1, 3, 7, or 15 third optical modules, etc.

[0080] In this implementation scenario, the number of the third optoelectronic modules at the first end and the number of the third optoelectronic modules at the second end are both n, where n > 0. For example, n = 1, 3, 7, or 15. At this time, the electro-optical conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the first PCIe connector. The opto-electronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the first PCIe connector. The electro-optical conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector. The opto-electronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector. Wherein, i = 1, 2,..., n.

[0081] That is to say, the third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel n (LANEn) of the first PCIe connector, and the third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel n (LANEn) of the second PCIe connector, and n is not 0. In other words, the third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected in one-to-one correspondence with the other PCIe channels of the first PCIe connector except the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0), and the third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected in one-to-one correspondence with the other PCIe channels of the second PCIe connector except the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0).

[0082] Figure 4 Illustrates the case where each end of the PCIe extension cable includes 3 of the above-mentioned third optoelectronic modules, that is, n = 3. Specifically, Figure 4 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the PCIe extension cable 400 can be understood as a further limitation or functional expansion of the PCIe extension cable 100 or the PCIe extension cable 200 or the PCIe extension cable 300. Therefore, the relevant detailed descriptions combined with Figures 1 to 3 also apply to Figure 4 .

[0083] As Figure 4 shown, the PCIe extension cable 400 may specifically include a first end (such as the A end in Figure 4 ), a second end (such as Figure 4The B - end in (). Among them, the A - end of the PCIe extension cable 400 may include a first PCIe connector 101 and an optoelectronic module 102. The B - end of the PCIe extension cable 400 may include a second PCIe connector 103 and an optoelectronic module 104. The PCIe extension cable 400 further includes an optical fiber 105, and the optical fiber 105 can be used to connect the optoelectronic module 102 at the A - end and the optoelectronic module 104 at the B - end.

[0084] In this embodiment, Figure 4 The optoelectronic module shown in may specifically include a first optoelectronic module (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 0 at the A - end in) or a second optoelectronic module (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 0 at the B - end in), and three third optoelectronic modules (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic modules 1 - 3 at the A - end and the B - end in).

[0085] In this implementation scenario, the number of the third optoelectronic modules at the first end and the number of the third optoelectronic modules at the second end are both 3. At this time, the electro - optical conversion unit of the i - th third optoelectronic module at the first end (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 1, optoelectronic module 2, or optoelectronic module 3 at the A - end in) is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission of the PCIe channel (LANE1, LANE2, or LANE3) of the first PCIe connector 101. The opto - electronic conversion unit of the i - th third optoelectronic module at the first end (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 1, optoelectronic module 2, or optoelectronic module 3 at the A - end in) is connected to the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel i of the first PCIe connector (such as Figure 4 LANE1, LANE2, or LANE3 at the A - end in). The electro - optical conversion unit of the i - th third optoelectronic module at the second end (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 1, optoelectronic module 2, or optoelectronic module 3 at the B - end in) is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission of the PCIe channel i of the second PCIe connector (such as Figure 4 LANE1, LANE2, or LANE3 at the B - end in). The opto - electronic conversion unit of the i - th third optoelectronic module at the second end (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 1, optoelectronic module 2, or optoelectronic module 3 at the B - end in) is connected to the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel i of the second PCIe connector (such as Figure 4 LANE1, LANE2, or LANE3 at the B - end in).

[0086] In addition, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 102 at the first end of the PCIe extension cable can be from the first PCIe connector at the first end (such as Figure 3 or Figure 4The "POWER / Other" pin of the PCIe connector in) to obtain power. In some embodiments, the second end further includes a third connector (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 the "power port" in), and the optical module 104 at the second end can obtain power from the third connector. In other embodiments, the second end further includes a y-cable (not shown in the figure), and the optical module 104 at the second end can obtain power from the y-cable. Thus, the two ends of the PCIe extension cable adopt an independent power supply method, which can achieve electrical isolation between the devices connected at both ends, thereby improving the security of communication.

[0087] For example, in some embodiments, Figure 3 or Figure 4 the first end of the PCIe extension cable in can be connected to the PCIe device A through the first PCIe connector 101, and the second end of the PCIe extension cable can be connected to the PCIe device B through the second PCIe connector 103. In particular, when the PCIe device A is the source device and the PCIe device B is the remote device, the PCIe extension cable can not only support efficient and long-distance PCIe signal transmission between the source device and the remote device, but also achieve electrical isolation between the source device and the remote device, thus effectively avoiding the problem of large-scale damage caused by problems with one end device.

[0088] Figure 5 Fig. shows a schematic structural diagram of a PCIe extension cable 500 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that, Figure 5 can be understood as Figures 1 to 4 a specific implementation of the PCIe extension cable in. Therefore, the relevant detailed descriptions of the PCIe extension cable in the foregoing in combination with Figures 1 to 4 also apply to the following. In addition, in order to more clearly illustrate the working principle of the PCIe extension cable, Figure 5 the source device 501 and the remote device 502 are also shown in.

[0089] As Figure 5 shown, the PCIe extension cable 500 may include a first end (such as Figure 5 the TX end in) and a second end (such as Figure 5the RX side in), and the optical fiber 105. Among them, the first end may include a gold finger 106 (in this embodiment, the gold finger 106 can be understood as a specific implementation of the first PCIe connector 101) and an optoelectronic module 102, and the second end may include a board-to-board connector 107 (in this embodiment, the board-to-board connector 107 can be understood as a specific implementation of the second PCIe connector) and an optoelectronic module 104. For the details of the first PCIe connector 101, the optoelectronic module 102, the second PCIe connector 103, and the optoelectronic module 104, reference can be specifically made to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing in combination with Figures 1 to 4 and will not be elaborated here.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the gold finger 106 can be connected to the source device 501 for transmitting signals and supplying power to the TX. The board-to-board connector 107 is connected to the remote device 502 for transmitting signals and the like. The second end may include a connector 108. The connector 108 can adopt various forms of sockets such as USB / HDMI / , etc., and it can be used to supply power to the remote device 502 and the optoelectronic module 104.

[0091] In this embodiment, there may be multiple optoelectronic modules at both ends of the PCIe extension cable. Limited by the skew limitation of LANE to LANE, special layout design needs to be carried out for these optoelectronic modules.

[0092] For example, in some embodiments, an optoelectronic module at the first end of the PCIe extension cable and an optoelectronic module at the second end are connected by an optical fiber to form an optoelectronic module pair, and the optical fiber lengths between different optoelectronic module pairs are the same. In addition, the differential signal transmission distances from the differential signal pair of the PCIe channel j of the first PCIe connector to the differential signal pair of the PCIe channel j (Lanej) of the second PCIe connector are the same, where j = 0, 1, 2,.... In addition, when the optical fiber includes multiple roots, the optical fiber lengths of each optical fiber used to connect the first end and the second end are equal.

[0093] In other words, when laying out the optoelectronic modules, the sum of the distances from the optoelectronic modules at the first end to the first PCIe connector and the distances from the corresponding connected optoelectronic modules at the second end to the second PCIe connector are equal between different optoelectronic module pairs.

[0094] Figure 6 Shows a specific layout of the optoelectronic modules at both ends of the PCIe extension cable in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0095] As Figure 6 shown, the first end (such as Figure 6The RX end therein may include a first circuit board 601. The first side of the first circuit board 601 is closer to the optical fiber 105 than the other sides of the first circuit board 601. The first optoelectronic module at the first end (such as the optoelectronic module No. 0) is farther from the first side than the third optoelectronic modules at the first end (such as the optoelectronic module No. 1 and the optoelectronic module No. 2). The second end includes a second circuit board 602. The second side of the second circuit board 602 is closer to the optical fiber than the other sides of the second circuit board 602. The second optoelectronic module at the second end (such as the optoelectronic module No. 0) is closer to the first side than the third optoelectronic modules at the second end (such as the optoelectronic module No. 1 and the optoelectronic module No. 2).

[0096] In addition, the third optoelectronic module at the first end is farther from or closer to the first side than the other third optoelectronic modules, and the third optoelectronic module at the second end corresponding to the same pair of optoelectronic modules is closer to or farther from the second side than the other third optoelectronic modules. For example, in Figure 6 the optoelectronic module No. 1 and the optoelectronic module No. 2 at the first end (TX end) are closer to the first side than the optoelectronic module No. 3, that is, the optoelectronic module No. 3 at the first end (TX end) is farther from the optoelectronic module No. 1 and the optoelectronic module No. 2 than the optoelectronic module No. 3.

[0097] In other words, within the same pair of optoelectronic modules, if the optoelectronic module at the first end is farther from or closer to the first side than the other optoelectronic modules, the corresponding optoelectronic module at the second end is closer to or farther from the second side than the other optoelectronic modules. For example, Figure 6 in the TX end in, the optoelectronic module No. 0 and the optoelectronic module No. 3 are closer to the gold finger connection than the optoelectronic module No. 1 and the optoelectronic module No. 2, which means that the traces of LANE0 and LANE3 on the first circuit board 601 are smaller than those of LANE1 and LANE2. In the RX end, the layout of the optoelectronic modules thereon is opposite to that of the TX end. Specifically, the traces of LANE1 and LANE2 on the second circuit board 602 in the RX end are smaller than those of LANE0 and LANE3. Thus, the RX end and the TX end are complementary, so that the deviation between LANE and LANE is controlled within a certain range (such as within 1CM), and at the same time this layout method also compensates for the length difference caused by the optical fiber, making it negligible.

[0098] Thus, the solution of this embodiment can transmit the common PCIe signal in a computer device in the form of an optical signal. In addition, the adoption of such as Figure 6The layout design shown can support signal transmission of different PCIe rates and channel numbers. In a specific application, the TX end of the PCIe extension cable can be docked with the M.2 slot of the computer motherboard using connection methods such as M.2 gold fingers. The on-board optoelectronic module can convert PCIe signals into optical signals for transmission. Additionally, the power supply method for the TX end is the power supply provided on the motherboard M.2 slot (such as 3.3V power supply).

[0099] In addition, in Figure 6 , for the optoelectronic modules numbered 0, 1, 2, and 3, the numbered digits thereon correspond to the PCIe channels (LANE0 to LANE3) it is responsible for transmitting. Among them, the 0th optoelectronic module not only transmits the differential signals of the PCIe channel (LANE0) but also is responsible for transmitting the PCIe clock signal.

[0100] In addition, the PCIe extension cable of this embodiment can support data link numbers of X1, X2 (as shown in Figure 3 ), X4 (as shown in Figure 4 ), X8, X16, etc., and the communication rate doubles in integer powers of 2 from low to high. In some embodiments, if the 2nd or 3rd optoelectronic module fails accidentally, the system will operate at the X2 link and will not fail completely. If the 1st optoelectronic module fails, it will operate at the X1 link. Only when the 0th optoelectronic module fails will the entire system fail.

[0101] Figure 7 Shows an exploded view of the structure of the TX end in the PCIe extension cable of the disclosed embodiment. In Figure 7 , on the circuit board (PCB) of the TX end of the PCIe extension cable, there are optoelectronic modules, a gold finger 106 (which can also be other connection methods), mounting holes (such as the fixed half-hole 109 in Figure 7 , which can be absent), and a power chip 110 (which is used for voltage conversion). Additionally, in some embodiments, the circular hole at the end of the TX end away from the optoelectronic module adds GND to improve the grounding point of the TX end.

[0102] Figure 8 Shows an exploded view of the structure of the RX end in the PCIe extension cable of the disclosed embodiment. In Figure 8In it, on the RX - side PCB, there are an optoelectronic module, a board - to - board connector 107, fixing nuts 111, nut welding holes 112, a connector 108, fixing holes 113, a power chip (which is used for voltage conversion), etc. Among them, there are multiple fixing nuts 111 which are arranged at intervals and are used for installing fixing screws to abut the remote device between the board - to - board connector 107 and the fixing nuts 111. The multiple fixing nuts 111 are arranged at intervals to adapt to remote devices of different sizes. The fixing nuts 111 are connected to the GND of the PCB, which can increase the grounding points of the remote device and improve signal stability.

[0103] Specifically, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 the optoelectronic module may specifically include an optoelectronic IC 1021 and an optical component. Among them, the optoelectronic IC 1021 may include an IC die 1021A, a light emitter (VCSEL)+a light receiver (PD) 1021B. In this embodiment, the IC die 1021A can be understood as a driver to drive the optoelectronic module. The VCSEL can be understood as a specific implementation of the electro - optical conversion unit, and the PD can be understood as a specific implementation of the opto - electronic conversion unit. The optical component may include a lens optical component 1022 and / or a jumper 1023. In this embodiment, preferably, the assembly of the optoelectronic module and the fixation of the optical fiber and the assembly of the jumper, etc. are assembled separately and independently, so as to improve production efficiency.

[0104] In some embodiments, Figure 7 and Figure 8 there may be multiple optoelectronic ICs 1021. Among them, the optoelectronic IC 1021 numbered 0 at the TX - side specifically may include 2 VCSELs and 1 PD, and the optoelectronic ICs 1021 with other numbers may include 1 VCSEL and 1 PD. Each VCSEL and PD are connected to the power supply and are powered by the power supply. The optoelectronic IC 1021 numbered 0 at the Rx - side specifically includes 2 PDs and 1 VCSEL. Among them, the VCSEL at the TX - side is connected to the PD at the RX - side through an optical fiber, and the VCSEL at the RX - side is connected to the PD at the TX - side through an optical fiber.

[0105] Further, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned optoelectronic IC 2021 can adopt a modular design method. Specifically, the Lens, the IC die, the VCSEL, the PD, etc. can be connected to one side of the substrate by means of glue and bonding, and electrical contacts (including solder joints or board-to-board connectors, etc. in the form for connecting to the PCB) are provided at the bottom of the substrate (i.e., the other side). Thus, during installation, the modular optoelectronic IC 2021 can be welded (or installed) just like a conventional device. This design greatly reduces the complexity of the entire manufacturing process, and when a certain optoelectronic module fails, it can be quickly repaired by replacing the optoelectronic module, without the need to replace the entire board. In addition, when it is necessary to increase the data path, the expansion of the data path can be achieved without affecting the original structure, increasing the scope of use and convenience.

[0106] In some embodiments, only an optical fiber is used to connect between the first end and the second end of the PCIe extension cable. Further, the PCIe extension cable further includes a metal wire (such as a copper wire) connecting the first end and the second end, which is used to correspondingly connect other signals except the differential signal pairs of the first PCIe connector at the first end and the second PCIe connector at the second end. For example, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , pads 114 for other PCIe low-speed signals are reserved on the pcb boards of the TX end and the RX end, increasing the way of copper wire transmission of the PCIe low-speed signals. In addition, an IC pull-up resistor 115 is also arranged on the pcb board of the TX end.

[0107] For the above-mentioned low-speed PCIe signals, three processing solutions are proposed in this embodiment. Solution 1: In some cases, the PCIe device powers on following the host and does not need to support hot plugging. For cost and space savings, the low-speed signals can be not connected, and normal communication can still be achieved. When low-speed signals need to be transmitted, they can be completed through two solutions: direct copper wire connection and optical transmission. Solution 2: The direct copper wire connection is to connect the corresponding signals of the TX and RX ends by soldering wires to the board connector. Since the low-speed PCIe signals only involve high and low level changes to indicate the working state, copper wires can also support relatively long distances. Solution 3: In the optical transmission solution, a separate optoelectronic module can be used to transmit low-speed signals, or time-division multiplexing technology can be utilized to multiplex the optoelectronic modules of the high-speed channels for low-speed signal transmission. Since the low-speed PCIe signals send levels to indicate the state before communication is established, any one or more optoelectronic modules that have already been used can be multiplexed for low-speed signal transmission using the currently used high-speed channels before high-speed data communication. For the low-speed signal multiplexing high-speed channel transmission method, the high and low levels of a single low-speed signal can be transmitted on a certain high-speed channel by means of switching light or optical pulses. In addition, four low-speed signals can be encoded and multiplexed on one high-speed channel, and different code patterns are represented by optical pulses for transmission, and the signals are deserialized at the receiving end to be restored to four low-speed signals. The flexible selection of the above three solutions can greatly increase the application scope of the solution disclosed in this disclosure.

[0108] It can be seen that the solution disclosed in this disclosure can realize the optical signal transmission of PCIe signals based on a PCIe extension cable to support the long-distance transmission of PCIe signals. In addition, the solution disclosed in this disclosure uses fewer circuit components, reducing the hardware overhead, so it has great advantages in device maintenance, manufacturing cost, and power consumption overhead. Moreover, each PCIe channel in the PCIe connector in the solution disclosed in this disclosure is independent, and the failure of a certain IC (non-No. 0) will not cause the complete failure of the overall function, thus reducing the failure probability. Further, the two ends of the PCIe extension cable in the solution disclosed in this disclosure are independently powered, which can achieve electrical isolation between the remote end and the source end and improve the safety of the communication system. In the solution disclosed in this disclosure, the optoelectronic module adopts a modular design, which is convenient for maintenance and expansion, etc.

[0109] Further, the solution disclosed in this disclosure also proposes a PCIe device with an extension cable.

[0110] Figure 9 The structural schematic diagram of a PCIe device 900 with an extension cable according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

[0111] As Figure 9As shown, the PCIe device 900 specifically includes a first end, a second end, and an optical fiber 905. Among them, the first end may include a first PCIe connector 901 and an optoelectronic module 902. The first PCIe connector 901 may specifically include a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception. The optoelectronic module 902 at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the first end.

[0112] The aforementioned second end may include an optoelectronic module 904, a differential signal pair for transmission, a differential signal pair 903 for reception, and a PCIe device 906. Among them, the optoelectronic module 904 at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair 903 for reception at the second end. In addition, the optical fiber 905 is used to connect the optoelectronic module 902 at the first end and the optoelectronic module 904 at the second end.

[0113] In this embodiment, a set of a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception may be referred to as a PCIe channel (i.e., LANE). The PCIe device 906 in the PCIe device 900 also has a PCIe channel. Thus, the optoelectronic module 904 and the PCIe device 906 at the second end of the PCIe device 900 can be directly docked through the PCIe channel. That is, the optoelectronic module 904, the PCIe device 906, etc. at the second end of the PCIe device 900 can be integrally designed (for example, integrated on the same substrate).

[0114] In some embodiments, the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair 903 for reception may be integrated in the PCIe device 906. At this time, the optoelectronic module 901 at the first end is used to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for transmission at the first end into an optical signal, and the optical signal is transmitted by the optical fiber to the optoelectronic module 904 at the second end. The optoelectronic module 904 at the second end is used to convert the optical signal into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for reception in the PCIe device 906 at the second end. In addition, the optoelectronic module 902 at the first end can also be used to convert the optical signal from the optical fiber into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for reception at the first end. The optoelectronic module 904 at the second end is used to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for transmission in the PCIe device 906 at the second end into an optical signal and transmit it by the optical fiber to the optoelectronic module 902 at the first end.

[0115] In this implementation scenario, the first end in the PCIe device 900 can be understood as Figures 1 to 8 the first end of the described PCIe extension cable, and the second end in the PCIe device 900 is understood as a whole Figures 1 to 8The second end of the described PCIe extension cable. That is, the functions and structures of the first PCIe connector 901 and the optoelectronic module 902 at the first end of the PCIe device 900 can be similar Figures 1 to 8 The first PCIe connector 101 and the optoelectronic module 102 at the first end of the described PCIe extension cable. The functions and structures of the optoelectronic module 904 at the second end of the PCIe device 900 can be similar Figures 1 to 8 The optoelectronic module 104 at the second end of the described PCIe extension cable, the differential signal pairs for transmission and the differential signal pairs 903 for reception at the second end of the PCIe device 900, and the functions of the PCIe device 906 are similar Figures 1 to 8 The second PCIe connector 103 at the second end of the described PCIe extension cable. The structure and function of the optical fiber 905 in the PCIe device 900 are similar Figures 1 to 8 The optical fiber 105 of the described PCIe extension cable. Therefore, for the specific connection methods and working principles of each component in the PCIe device 900, reference can be made to Figures 1 to 9 the connection relationships and specific working principles of the components in the PCIe extension cable in, which will not be elaborated here.

[0116] Figure 10 The structural schematic diagram of the PCIe device 1000 with an extension cable showing another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] As Figure 10 shown, the PCIe device 1000 may include a PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device 1006. Among them, the PCIe extension cable may include the PCIe extension cable described as Figures 1 to 8 in. Specifically, the PCIe extension cable may include a first end, a second end, and an optical fiber 105. The first end may include a first PCIe connector 101 and an optoelectronic module 102, and the second end may include a second PCIe connector 103 and an optoelectronic module 104.

[0118] In this embodiment, the PCIe device 1006 in the PCIe device 1000 is indirectly connected to the optoelectronic module 104 at the second end. Specifically, the PCIe device 1006 can be docked with the optoelectronic module 104 through the second PCIe connector 103 and other means.

[0119] Figure 11 The structural schematic diagram of the PCIe device 1100 with an extension cable showing yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the PCIe device 1100 can be understood as a specific implementation of the PCIe device 1000. In addition, to more clearly explain the working principle of the PCIe device 1100, Figure 11 PCIe device A is also shown in.

[0120] Specifically, as Figure 11 shown, the PCIe device 1100 may include a PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device B (i.e., a PCIe device). Among them, the PCIe extension cable may include a PCIe extension cable A end (i.e., the first end) and a PCIe extension cable B end. The PCIe extension cable A end may include a PCIe connector and multiple optical modules (such as Figure 11 the optical modules numbered 0 to 3 in Figure 11 ). The PCIe extension cable B end may include a PCIe connector and multiple optical modules (such as

[0121] the optical modules numbered 0 to 3 in

[0122] In this embodiment, the optical modules in the PCIe extension cable A end and the optical modules in the PCIe extension cable B end can be docked through optical fibers. In addition, when there are other signals to be transmitted between the PCIe connector in the PCIe extension cable A end and the PCIe connector in the PCIe extension cable B end except for the differential signal pairs, the PCIe connectors in the PCIe extension cable A end and the PCIe extension cable B end can be directly connected through metal wires (such as copper wires, etc.).

[0123] In addition, as Figure 11 shown, the PCIe extension cable B end can be integrated into the PCIe device B. The PCIe device B may specifically include a PCIe module. The PCIe device B is docked with the PCIe connector in the PCIe extension cable B end through the PCIe module, and the PCIe module includes M.2 PCIe modules of different sizes. In addition, the PCIe device B may further include a graphics card, a solid-state drive (in the form of a PCIe interface), a wireless network card, a wired network card, a sound card, a video capture card, a PCIe to M.2 interface adapter, a PCIe to USB interface adapter, a PCIe to Tpye-C interface adapter, etc. (in this case, the form of the PCIE connector can be changed accordingly).

[0124] Figure 12 shows the specific working principle of the PCIe extension cable involved in the above Figures 1 to 11 .

[0125] Specifically, Figure 12 shows a signal transmission method 1200 for a PCIe extension cable, including:

[0126] In step S1201, in response to receiving a differential signal from a differential signal pair for transmission, the optoelectronic module at the first end converts the differential signal into an optical signal, and the optical signal is transmitted through an optical fiber to the optoelectronic module at the second end.

[0127] In step S1202, in response to receiving the aforementioned optical signal, the optoelectronic module at the second end converts the optical signal into a differential signal and transmits it to the differential signal pair of the differential signal for reception at the second end.

[0128] Thus, based on the cooperation among the PCIe connectors, optoelectronic modules, and optical fibers in the PCIe extension cable, the PCIe signal can be converted into an optical signal for transmission, thereby achieving long-distance and efficient transmission of the PCIe signal.

[0129] It should be noted that although several devices or sub-devices of the device are mentioned in the above detailed description, this division is merely exemplary and not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the features and functions of the two or more devices described above can be embodied in one device. Conversely, the features and functions of one device described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple devices.

[0130] Although the spirit and principles of the present disclosure have been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and the division of each aspect does not mean that the features in these aspects cannot be combined for benefits. This division is only for convenience of description. The present disclosure aims to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the appended claims is interpreted in the broadest manner so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A PCIe extension cable, characterized in that, Comprising: A first end, the first end comprising a first PCIe connector and an optoelectronic module, the first PCIe connector comprising a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception, and the optoelectronic module at the first end being connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the first end; A second end, the second end comprising a second PCIe connector and an optoelectronic module, the second PCIe connector comprising a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception, and the optoelectronic module at the second end being connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the second end; And An optical fiber for connecting the optoelectronic module at the first end and the optoelectronic module at the second end.

2. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 1, wherein The optoelectronic module at the first end is configured to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for transmission at the first end into an optical signal, and the optical signal is transmitted by the optical fiber to the optoelectronic module at the second end; The optoelectronic module at the second end is configured to convert the optical signal into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for reception at the second end; The optoelectronic module at the first end is configured to convert the optical signal from the optical fiber into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for reception at the first end; The optoelectronic module at the second end is configured to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for transmission at the second end into an optical signal and transmit it by the optical fiber to the optoelectronic module at the first end.

3. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The optoelectronic module comprises a photoelectric conversion unit, an electro-optical conversion unit and an optical component. The photoelectric conversion unit is configured to convert the received optical signal into a differential signal; the electro-optical conversion unit is configured to convert the received differential signal into an optical signal; and the photoelectric conversion unit and / or the electro-optical conversion unit are coupled to the optical fiber through the optical component.

4. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 3, wherein The optoelectronic module at the first end comprises a first optoelectronic module, and the optoelectronic module at the second end comprises a second optoelectronic module; the optical fiber comprises at least three; the first optoelectronic module comprises two electro-optical conversion units and one photoelectric conversion unit; the second optoelectronic module comprises two photoelectric conversion units and one electro-optical conversion unit; one of the two electro-optical conversion units of the first optoelectronic module is respectively connected to one of the two photoelectric conversion units of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber; and the photoelectric conversion unit of the first optoelectronic module is connected to the electro-optical conversion unit of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber.

5. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 3, wherein The optical - electric module at the first end includes a first optical - electric module and a third optical - electric module, and the optical - electric module at the second end includes a second optical - electric module and a third optical - electric module; the optical fiber includes at least five; the first optical - electric module includes two of the electro - optical conversion units and one of the photo - electric conversion units; the second optical - electric module includes two of the photo - electric conversion units and one of the electro - optical conversion units; the third optical - electric module includes one of the photo - electric conversion units and one of the electro - optical conversion units; the two electro - optical conversion units of the first optical - electric module are respectively connected to one of the two photo - electric conversion units of the second optical - electric module through an optical fiber; the photo - electric conversion unit of the first optical - electric module is connected to the electro - optical conversion unit of the second optical - electric module through an optical fiber; the electro - optical conversion unit of the third optical - electric module at the first end is connected to the photo - electric conversion unit of the third optical - electric module at the second end through an optical fiber; the photo - electric conversion unit of the third optical - electric module at the first end is connected to the electro - optical conversion unit of the third optical - electric module at the second end through an optical fiber.

6. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first optical - electric module is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the first PCIe connector; the second optical - electric module is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the second PCIe connector; the first optical - electric module is further connected to the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the first PCIe connector; the second optical - electric module is further connected to the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the second PCIe connector.

7. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 6, wherein the number of the third optical - electric modules at the first end and the number of the third optical - electric modules at the second end are both n, where n = 1, 3, 7, or 15; the electro - optical conversion unit of the i - th third optical - electric module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the first PCIe connector; the photo - electric conversion unit of the i - th third optical - electric module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the first PCIe connector; the electro - optical conversion unit of the i - th third optical - electric module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector; the photo - electric conversion unit of the i - th third optical - electric module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for reception of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector; where i = 1, 2,..., n.

8. The PCIe extension cable according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that The differential signal transmission distance from the differential signal pair of the PCIe channel j of the first PCIe connector to the differential signal pair of the PCIe channel j (LANEjLANEj) of the second PCIe connector is the same, where j = 0, 1, 2,....

9. A PCIe device with an extension cable, characterized in that, Comprising: A first end, the first end includes a first PCIe connector and an optical module, the first PCIe connector includes a differential signal pair for transmission and a differential signal pair for reception, and the optical module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the first end; A second end, the second end includes an optical module, a differential signal pair for transmission, a differential signal pair for reception, and a PCIe device, and the optical module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for transmission and the differential signal pair for reception at the second end; And An optical fiber, the optical fiber is used to connect the optical module at the first end and the optical module at the second end.

10. A PCIe device with an extension cable, characterized in that Comprising: A PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device; The PCIe extension cable is the PCIe extension cable according to one of claims 1-8; The PCIe device is connected to the second PCIe connector at the second end of the PCIe extension cable; The PCIe device is an electronic device that supports the PCIe protocol.

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