Optical cable and active optical cable

Abstract

The invention provides an optical cable and an active optical cable. The optical cable comprises a plurality of optical fibers, an outer sheath wrapping the optical fibers, and a functional layer arranged along the outer surface of the outer sheath. The friction coefficient of the functional layer is smaller than that of the outer sheath, thereby reducing the wind resistance of the optical cable, and solving a problem that a conventional optical cable is insufficient in heat dissipation capability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical cable technology, and more particularly to a low-wind-resistance optical cable and an active optical cable having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) utilize photons instead of electrons for computation and data transmission within integrated circuits, bringing significant benefits to industries requiring high-performance data exchange, long-distance interconnection, 5G infrastructure, and computing devices. OEICs are configured with both photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and electronic integrated circuits (EICs), typically packaged as co-packaged optics (CPOs). Optical cables generally consist of multiple optical fibers bundled within an outer sheath, providing high-speed, high-bandwidth optical signal transmission. For example, data centers, such as those equipped with CPO switches, require a large number of optical cables to achieve high-speed, high-capacity data transmission. It is well known that data centers generate significant heat during operation, but major improvements in heat dissipation have long focused on the equipment itself (i.e., switches). However, as optical cables play a primary role in optical signal transmission, there is currently no effective method to dissipate the high temperatures and heat generated by data center equipment using optical cables. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide an optical cable that can promote heat dissipation in data centers.

[0004] Another objective of this application is to provide an active optical cable that can promote heat dissipation of the optical transceiver module.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an optical cable comprising: a plurality of optical fibers arranged close to each other; an outer sheath encasing the optical fibers; and a functional layer disposed along the outer surface of the outer sheath. The coefficient of friction of the functional layer is lower than that of the outer sheath.

[0006] Optionally, the functional layer comprises a thermoplastic material.

[0007] Optionally, the material of the functional layer may also be selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, graphene, polytetrafluoroethylene and polydimethylsiloxane.

[0008] Optionally, the multiple optical fibers are bundled together and arranged concentrically within the outer sheath.

[0009] Optionally, the outer sheath has a radius that satisfies the following relationship:

[0010]

[0011] Where, r f The radius of the optical fiber is represented by r, where n represents the number of fiber cores and n≥16. c This indicates the radius of the outer sheath.

[0012] Optionally, the outer sheath may include fire-resistant and moisture-proof materials.

[0013] Optionally, each of the plurality of optical fibers includes an optical fiber core that allows optical signal transmission, a cladding surrounding the optical fiber core and having a refractive index less than that of the optical fiber core, and an outer jacket surrounding the cladding.

[0014] This application also provides an active optical cable, including an optical cable, a connector connected to the optical cable, and an optical transceiver module connected to the connector at the other end of the optical cable. The optical cable includes multiple optical fibers, an outer sheath enclosing the optical fibers, and a functional layer disposed along the outer surface of the outer sheath. The coefficient of friction of the functional layer is lower than the coefficient of friction of the outer sheath.

[0015] This application provides an optical cable and an active optical cable, which utilizes a functional layer with a low coefficient of friction or high thermal conductivity on the outer surface of the optical cable to reduce the wind resistance or increase the thermal conductivity of the optical cable, which is beneficial to the heat dissipation of data centers and optical transceiver modules, and solves the problem of insufficient heat dissipation capacity of traditional optical cables. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. The accompanying drawings in the following description only show some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an optical cable provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a single-mode optical fiber provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an optical cable provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an optical cable provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an optical cable provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a data processing system connected by multiple optical cables, provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an active optical cable provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the active optical cable plug-in and connection device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following embodiments will be used to illustrate specific implementable embodiments of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings. The directional terms described in this application, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, inside, outside, and side, are merely directions with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are intended to describe and understand this application, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0026] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. Unless otherwise stated, these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component, first part, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second component, second part, or second portion without departing from the teachings of this application. Furthermore, the reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in various examples of the drawings. Such repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself determine the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0027] Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “same,” “equal,” “plane,” or “coplanar” used herein to refer to orientation, layout, location, shape, size, quantity, or other measure do not necessarily mean exactly the same orientation, layout, location, shape, size, quantity, or other measure, but are intended to cover orientation, layout, location, shape, size, quantity, or other measure that are substantially the same within acceptable ranges of variation, such variations may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical cable provided according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, this application provides an optical cable 1, including an outer sheath 10, a functional layer 11, and multiple optical fibers 20. Specifically, the multiple optical fibers 20 are arranged close to each other. Preferably, the optical fibers 20 are bundled and concentrically arranged within the outer sheath 10. In some embodiments, the optical fibers 20 may be a stack of optical fiber ribbons.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer sheath 10 presses around and wraps around the optical fiber 20. The outer sheath 10 is tubular, surrounding multiple optical fibers 20 and protecting them from fire and moisture. In some embodiments, the outer sheath 10 is made of fire-resistant and moisture-proof material, serving as a fire-resistant protective layer. The outer sheath 10 is made of materials including, but not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE). Alternatively, the material of the outer sheath 10 may include magnesium oxide or aluminum oxide. In some embodiments, the outer sheath 10 may be formed from multiple portions of different materials or sizes. Each portion of the outer sheath 10 has its own material properties (i.e., different fire resistance) to suit different situations. For example, the thickness of the front portion of the outer sheath 10 near the high-temperature area of ​​the data center (not shown) may be slightly greater than the thickness of the rear portion of the outer sheath 10 away from the data center to achieve relatively higher fire resistance.

[0030] See Figure 1 The functional layer 11 is disposed on and extends along the outer surface of the outer sheath 10. Specifically, the functional layer 11 is coated on the outer sheath 10 and is a relatively thin, continuous, and adjacent film layer (e.g., adjacent in the circumferential and longitudinal directions along the length of the optical cable 1), which wraps around the outer surface of the outer sheath 10. More specifically, the functional layer 11 is smooth and has a lower coefficient of friction than that of the outer sheath 10. Due to the lower coefficient of friction of the functional layer 11, the wind resistance of the optical cable 1 can be significantly reduced.

[0031] In some embodiments, the functional layer 11 is made of materials including thermoplastics. Specifically, the material of the functional layer 11 also includes materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, graphene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polydimethylsiloxane. The functional layer 11 is provided to reduce the air resistance of the exhaust air from the fan unit (not shown) of the data center equipment. Specifically, the functional layer 11 is a polymer coating formed by depositing a thermoplastic material on the surface of the outer sheath 10. Depending on the deposition method, polymer coating processes can be classified as physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electroplating, solution deposition, spraying, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0032] Specifically, the polymer material of the polymer coating has excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, is lightweight, and has good processability. In some embodiments, metal or ceramic powder can be added to the polymer material to form a polymer thermally conductive composite material. In some embodiments, additives with high thermal conductivity can be added to the polymer material to improve its thermal conductivity. High thermal conductivity additives may include, but are not limited to, boron nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, and aluminum oxide.

[0033] See Figure 2This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a single-mode optical fiber provided in an embodiment of this application. Each optical fiber 20 generally consists of a core 21 for transmitting optical signals, a cladding 22 surrounding the core 21 and having a refractive index lower than the core 21, and an outer jacket 23 enclosing the cladding 22. In some embodiments, a reinforcing layer (not shown) may be provided between the cladding 22 and the outer jacket 23 to enhance the structural strength of the optical fiber 20. The optical fiber 20 enclosed by the outer sheath 10 may be, for example, a single-mode optical fiber, a multimode optical fiber, a polarization-maintaining optical fiber, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0034] See Figures 3 to 5 These are schematic cross-sectional views of the optical cable in different embodiments of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the optical cable 1A, including the outer sheath 10 with an outer diameter of 1.75 mm, can accommodate 16 optical fibers 20. (As shown...) Figure 4 As shown, the optical cable 1B, including the outer sheath 10 with an outer diameter of 2.25 mm, can accommodate 32 optical fibers 20. (As shown...) Figure 5 As shown, the optical cable 1C, including an outer sheath 10 with an outer diameter of 2.9 mm, can accommodate 64 optical fibers. In some embodiments, each optical fiber core 21 can independently transmit optical signals, so that the multi-core optical fiber can be regarded as multiple separate optical fibers, transmitting optical signals to the application device.

[0035] In this embodiment, the radius of the outer sheath 10 must satisfy the following relationship:

[0036]

[0037] In the above formula, r f The radius of the optical fiber is represented by r, where n represents the number of fiber cores and n≥16. c This represents the radius of the outer sheath. Calculating the radius of the outer sheath 10 using this formula allows for efficient configuration of the internal space formed by the outer sheath 10, maximizing its capacity to accommodate the fiber cores. The fiber radius in this formula is, for example, 0.125 mm. In some embodiments, the number of fiber cores n is 16, and the radius of the outer sheath 10 is 0.875 mm. In some embodiments, the number of fiber cores n is 32, and the radius of the outer sheath 10 is 1.125 mm. In some embodiments, the number of fiber cores n is 64, and the radius r of the outer sheath 10 is 1.45 mm. In some embodiments, the number of fiber cores n is 128, and the radius r of the outer sheath 10 is 1.9 mm.

[0038] In some embodiments, fiber optic connectors with ferrules (not shown) are used to connect the two ends of the optical cable. Fiber optic connectors allow for quick insertion and removal of the cable without splicing. Fiber optic connectors typically have a ferrule that helps hold the fiber in place and align the fiber bundle to allow light to pass through.

[0039] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the data processing system 7 connecting multiple optical cables 1 in an embodiment of this application. The connection device 71, which connects the multiple optical cables 1 to the data processing system 7, is used for high-speed signal transmission. Due to the low coefficient of friction of the functional layer 11 and the low wind resistance of the optical cables 1, the heat generated by the components within the data processing system 7 can be more effectively dissipated by a fan device (not shown) installed within the data processing system 7. Specifically, Figure 6 Optical cable 1 can also be replaced with optical cable 1A-1C of any of the above embodiments.

[0040] This application also provides an active optical cable. (See attached document.) Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the active optical cable 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The active optical cable 100 includes an optical cable 1, a connector 3, and an optical transceiver module 5. Specifically, the optical transceiver module 5 includes an optoelectronic integrated circuit (not shown) and a waveguide device (not shown) installed inside the optical transceiver module 5 for transmitting electro-optical signals and photoelectric signals. Figure 7 As shown, the optical cable 1 used in the active optical cable 100 also includes an outer sheath 10 and a functional layer 11 that wraps around the outer sheath 10. It should be noted that the structure of the optical cable 1 in the active optical cable 100 is the same as that of the optical cable 1 described in the above embodiments, therefore its detailed structure will not be repeated here. Specifically, Figure 7 Optical cable 1 can also be replaced with optical cable 1A-1C of any of the above embodiments.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, connector 3 is connected to one end of optical cable 1. Specifically, connector 3 includes a contact portion 31, which is configured to contact the functional layer 11 of optical cable 1. More specifically, contact portion 31 is configured to support the circuit board (not shown) of the optoelectronic integrated circuit and waveguide device inside the optical transceiver module 5. Through the physical contact between contact portion 31 and functional layer 11, and between contact portion 31 and the circuit board of optical transceiver module 5, the heat generated by the optoelectronic integrated circuit (not shown) on the circuit board can be conducted to the outside of optical transceiver module 5 through the path formed by contact portion 31 and functional layer 11.

[0042] See Figure 8 , it is Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the active optical cable 100 being pluggable to the connection device 71. In this embodiment, the optical transceiver module 5 is configured to be detachably connected to the device installed in... Figure 6 The data processing system 7 shown includes a connection device 71. As described above, because the functional layer 11 of the active optical cable 100 has a low coefficient of friction, the heat generated by the components in the data processing system 7 can be more effectively dissipated by a fan device (not shown). Specifically, Figure 8 Optical cable 1 can also be replaced with optical cable 1A-1C of any of the above embodiments.

[0043] Therefore, this application provides the optical cable and the active optical cable, which employ a functional layer with a low coefficient of friction or high thermal conductivity on the outer surface of the optical cable to reduce the wind resistance or improve the thermal conductivity of the optical cable, thereby facilitating heat dissipation in data centers and optical transceiver modules and solving the problem of traditional optical cables being unable to dissipate heat.

[0044] The above embodiments are used to illustrate the technical concept disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the technical concept disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all technical concepts that are the same as or equivalent to the above scope of protection within the scope of rights of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An optical cable, characterized in that, include: Multiple optical fibers are arranged close to each other; An outer sheath is used to wrap the multiple optical fibers; as well as A functional layer is disposed along the outer surface of the outer sheath, wherein the coefficient of friction of the functional layer is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer sheath.

2. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional layer comprises a thermoplastic material.

3. The optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that, The materials of the functional layer also include those selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, graphene, polytetrafluoroethylene and polydimethylsiloxane.

4. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple optical fibers are bundled together and arranged concentrically inside the outer sheath.

5. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer sheath has a radius that must satisfy the following relationship: Where, r f The radius of the optical fiber is represented by r, where n represents the number of fiber cores and n≥16. c This indicates the radius of the outer sheath.

6. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer sheath includes fire-resistant and moisture-proof materials.

7. The optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of optical fibers includes an optical fiber core that allows optical signal transmission, a cladding surrounding the optical fiber core and having a refractive index less than that of the optical fiber core, and an outer jacket that encloses the cladding.

8. An active optical cable, characterized in that, include: Optical cables, including: Multiple optical fibers; An outer sheath, used to enclose the plurality of optical fibers; and A functional layer is disposed along the outer surface of the outer sheath, wherein the coefficient of friction of the functional layer is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer sheath; and Connector, for connection to the optical cable; and An optical transceiver module is connected to the other end of the connector relative to the optical cable.

9. The active optical cable according to claim 8, characterized in that, The functional layer comprises a thermoplastic material.

10. The active optical cable according to claim 9, characterized in that, The materials of the functional layer also include those selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, graphene, polytetrafluoroethylene and polydimethylsiloxane.

11. The active optical cable according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer sheath has a radius that must satisfy the following relationship: Where, r f The radius of the optical fiber is represented by r, where n represents the number of fiber cores and n≥16. c This indicates the radius of the outer sheath.

12. The active optical cable according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector is detachably connected to the optical transceiver module, and the connector includes a contact portion, with the functional layer of the optical cable in contact with the contact portion.

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