PCIe extension cord and PCIe device with extension cord

Abstract

The utility model 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] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of cable technology. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device with the extension cable. Background Art

[0002] In modern industry and 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 common communication protocol in computer devices. However, the PCIe bus is generally an intra-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 industrial cameras to the host, improve the quality of collected images, and take advantage of the mature development environment of PCIe and its high real-time performance, some industrial cameras adopt the PCIe interface. However, in specific applications, the placement of industrial cameras needs to be far away from the host, and the current PCIe bus, which can only be used as an intra-board high-speed bus, obviously cannot meet the above application requirements of such industrial cameras. For another example, in the application scenarios of some medical equipment such as CT, the host of these medical equipment is usually placed in the examination room, while the corresponding display and peripherals such as keyboard and mouse are outside the examination room, and even need to support long-distance separation of peripherals and the host. However, the controllers (such as graphics cards) used to control these peripherals in the host are generally PCIe devices, which cannot support the application requirements of long-distance communication between the host and peripherals.

[0004] To this end, related technologies use traditional optical module technology to achieve the extension of PCIe signals. Traditional optical module technology requires special driver chips to realize the conversion of electrical signals. Due to the large size, high power consumption and high cost of the optical module itself, the technical implementation effect of this optical module technology is poor, the practicality is not strong, and there are still great limitations in its use.

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

[0006] In order to at least solve one or more of the technical problems mentioned above, the present disclosure proposes a PCIe extension cable that supports 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 sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the optoelectronic module of the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving of 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 sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the optoelectronic module of the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving of the second end; and an optical fiber, the optical fiber is used to connect the optoelectronic module of the first end with the optoelectronic module of the second end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic module at the first end is used to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for sending 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 used to convert the optical signal into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for receiving at the second end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic module at the first end is used to convert the optical signal from the optical fiber into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for receiving at the first end; the optoelectronic module at the second end is used to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for sending at the second end into an optical signal, and transmit it to the optoelectronic module at the first end by the optical fiber.

[0010] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic module includes a photoelectric conversion unit, an electro-optical conversion unit and an optical component, wherein the photoelectric conversion unit is used to convert a received optical signal into a differential signal; the electro-optical conversion unit is used to convert a received differential signal into an optical signal; the photoelectric 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 fibers include at least three; the first optoelectronic module includes two of the electro-optical conversion units and one of the optoelectronic conversion units; the second optoelectronic module includes two of the optoelectronic conversion units and one of the electro-optical conversion units; 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 optoelectronic module at the first end includes a first optoelectronic module and a third optoelectronic module, and the optoelectronic module at the second end includes a second optoelectronic module and a third optoelectronic module; the optical fibers include at least five; the first optoelectronic module includes two of the electro-optical conversion units and one of the optoelectronic conversion units; the second optoelectronic module includes two of the optoelectronic conversion units and one of the optoelectronic conversion units; the third optoelectronic module includes one of the optoelectronic conversion units and one of the optoelectronic conversion units; 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, 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, and 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.

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

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

[0015] In some embodiments, the first optoelectronic module is also connected to the differential signal pair of the first PCIe connector for transmitting the clock signal; the second optoelectronic module is also connected to the differential signal pair of the second PCIe connector for transmitting the clock signal.

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

[0017] In some embodiments, the number of third optoelectronic modules at the first end and the number of 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 sending of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the first PCIe connector; the optoelectronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for receiving 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 sending of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector; the optoelectronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for receiving of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector; where i=1, 2,…, n.

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

[0019] In some embodiments, the differential signal transmission distances from the differential signal pair of PCIe lane j of the first PCIe connector to the differential signal pair of PCIe lane 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 distance from the optoelectronic module at the first end to the first PCIe connector is equal to the sum of the distances from the optoelectronic module at the corresponding second end to the second PCIe connector.

[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 away 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 away from or closer to the first side than other third optoelectronic modules, and the third optoelectronic module at the second end of the corresponding optoelectronic module pair is closer to or farther from the second side than other third optoelectronic modules.

[0023] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic 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 optoelectronic module at the second end obtains power from the third connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic 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 optoelectronic module at the second end obtains power from the y-cable.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end are connected only by optical fiber.

[0026] In some embodiments, the extension line further includes a metal line connecting the first end and the second end, which is used to correspond to other signals except the differential signal pair connecting 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, 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 sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the optoelectronic module of the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving of the first end; a second end, the second end includes an optoelectronic module, a differential signal pair for sending, a differential signal pair for receiving and a PCIe device, and the optoelectronic module of the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving of the second end; and an optical fiber, the optical fiber is used to connect the optoelectronic module of the first end with the optoelectronic module of the second end.

[0028] In a third aspect, a PCIe device with an extension cable is provided, characterized in that it includes: a PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device; the PCIe extension cable is the PCIe extension cable according to any embodiment of the first aspect above; the PCIe device is connected to a second PCIe connector at the second end of the PCIe extension cable.

[0029] In some embodiments, the PCIe device is an electronic device that supports 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 embodiment of the first aspect, and the method includes: in response to receiving a differential signal from a differential signal pair for sending, 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 for receiving the differential signal at the second end.

[0031] Through the PCIe extension cable provided as above, the disclosed embodiment can integrate a PCIe connector and an optoelectronic module at both ends of the PCIe extension cable, and based on the cooperation between the PCIe connector, the optoelectronic module and the optical fiber, 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 detailed description below 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 accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, and the same or corresponding reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts, wherein:

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

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

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

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

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

[0038] Figure 6 The figure shows the distribution diagram of the optical modules at both ends of the PCIe extension line according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7 A structural exploded diagram of a TX end of a PCIe extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0040] Figure 8 A structural exploded diagram of the RX end of a PCIe extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0041] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a PCIe device with an extension cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0042] Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of a PCIe device with an extension cable according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0043] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a PCIe device with an extension cable according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0044] Fig.12 A schematic flow chart of a signal transmission method for a PCIe extension line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

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

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

[0048] As used in this specification and claims, the term "if" may be interpreted as "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted as meaning "upon determination" or "in response to determining" or "upon detection of [described condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [described condition or event]," depending on the context.

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

[0050] PCIe channel (LANE): refers to a group of differential signal pairs, including differential signal pairs for sending signals and differential signal pairs for receiving signals. The differential signal pair for sending 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 lines. In a LANE, differential signals can be sent and received at the same time.

[0051] The specific implementation of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

[0053] like Figure 1 As 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 sending and a differential signal pair for receiving. The optoelectronic module 102 at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for 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. The second PCIe connector 103 includes a differential signal pair for sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the optoelectronic module 104 at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving at the second end.

[0055] The optical fiber 105 in the PCIe extension cable 100 can 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 connector at each end (e.g., the first end and the second end) of the PCIe extension cable 100 may include a differential signal pair for sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, that is, at least one PCIe channel (LANE). The aforementioned differential signal pair for sending can be understood as a differential signal pair for sending signals, such as two lines TX+ and TX-. The aforementioned differential signal pair for receiving can be understood as a differential signal pair for receiving signals, such as two lines RX+ and RX-.

[0057] The optoelectronic modules (for example, optoelectronic module 103 and optoelectronic module 104) at each end of the PCIe extension cable 100 can support the conversion of optical signals into electrical signals and / or the conversion of electrical signals into optical signals. The optoelectronic modules at each end can be connected to the differential signal pairs for sending and the differential signal pairs for receiving at the same end. The optoelectronic modules at different ends can be connected via optical fibers to perform optoelectronic / electro-optical conversion on the signals transmitted via the differential signal pairs or optical fibers.

[0058] In practical applications, the signal transmission mode in the PCIe extension cable 100 may include multiple modes. In some embodiments, for example, according to the transmission direction from the first end to the second end, the optoelectronic module 102 at the first end may be 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 to the optoelectronic module 104 at the second end by the optical fiber 105. Then, the optoelectronic module 104 at the second end may 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 optoelectronic 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 transmit it to the optoelectronic module 102 at the first end through the optical fiber 105. Then, the optoelectronic 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 the PCIe connector and the optoelectronic module at both ends of the PCIe extension cable, the PCIe connector at one end (e.g., the first end) of the PCIe extension cable cooperates with the optoelectronic module, so that electrical signals such as differential signals can be converted into optical signals, and the optical signals are transmitted to the optoelectronic module at the other end (e.g., the second end) of the PCIe extension cable via the optical fiber between the optoelectronic modules. Then, the optical signal is restored to a differential signal by the optoelectronic module at the other end of the PCIe extension cable, and the 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 disclosed solution can convert PCIe signals into optical signals for transmission based on the cooperation between PCIe connectors, optoelectronic modules and optical fibers, thereby realizing long-distance and efficient transmission of PCIe signals. In addition, in the process of technical implementation, the disclosed solution uses PCIe extension cables composed of devices such as PCIe connectors, optoelectronic modules and optical fibers to achieve signal extension. These devices in the PCIe extension cables have advantages such as low power consumption and low cost compared to traditional optical modules, which can effectively reduce the hardware overhead in the process of technology implementation, thereby effectively reducing the cost of technology implementation.

[0062] It should be noted that Figure 1 The number of differential signal pairs and the number of optoelectronic modules in each PCIe connector are only exemplary. The solution disclosed in the present invention does not limit the number of differential signal pairs and the number of optoelectronic modules, which can be adjusted according to application requirements.

[0063] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure 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 The main limitation is on the optoelectronic modules in the PCIe extension cable. Figure 1 The same detailed description applies to Figure 2 .

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the PCIe extension cable 200 may include a first end, a second end, and an optical fiber 105. The first end of the PCIe extension cable 200 may include a first PCIe connector 101 and an optoelectronic module 102. The second end of the PCIe extension cable 200 may include a second PCIe connector 103 and an optoelectronic module 104. The optical fiber 105 in the PCIe extension cable 200 may be used to connect the optoelectronic module 102 at the first end and the optoelectronic module 104 at the second end. For details about the first PCIe connector 101 and the second PCIe connector 103, please refer to the above combined with Figure 1 The relevant description will not be repeated here.

[0065] In this embodiment, the aforementioned optoelectronic module (e.g., optoelectronic module 102, optoelectronic module 104) may adopt a modular design. Specifically, the optoelectronic module may include an optoelectronic conversion unit, an electro-optical conversion unit, and an optical component. Among them, the aforementioned optoelectronic conversion unit may be used to convert the received optical signal into a differential signal, the aforementioned electro-optical conversion unit may be used to convert the received differential signal into an optical signal, and the aforementioned optoelectronic conversion unit and / or the electro-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 an optical receiver, and the electro-optical conversion unit can be implemented by an optical transmitter. Among them, the optical transmitter can be an optical transmitter such as a vertical cavity surface laser transmitter (VCSEL) to achieve electro-optical conversion, the aforementioned optical receiver can be an optical receiver such as a laser diode (PD) to achieve photoelectric conversion, and the aforementioned optical component can include an optical device (such as a lens, etc.).

[0067] In specific applications, the photoelectric conversion unit and the electro-optical conversion unit can be combined with optical components in a variety of ways to achieve coupling with optical fibers. For example, when an optical device such as a lens has an optical fiber fixing installation groove, the optical fiber can be directly plugged into the lens. For another example, the aforementioned optical component can also include a jumper that can couple the optical signal into the optical fiber. In this case, the optical fiber can be coupled to the lens in a bonding manner through the jumper. It should be noted that the description of the coupling method here is an exemplary description, and the scheme disclosed herein is not limited to this. For example, the optical fiber can also be coupled to 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 gluing, bonding and the like. In actual application, the modularly designed optoelectronic module can be installed as a conventional electrical device (for example, by welding or plugging). 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 replacing the entire board. In addition, when it is necessary to increase the data path, the data path can be expanded without affecting the original structure, thereby increasing the scope of use and convenience.

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

[0070] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a structure 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. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same detailed description applies 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 optical fibers, 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, 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, the electro-optical conversion unit of the third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the photoelectric conversion unit of the third optoelectronic module at the second end through an optical fiber, and the photoelectric 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, Figure 3 In the embodiment, 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 LANE (i.e. PCIe channel) refers to a group of differential signal pairs, including differential signal pairs for sending signals and differential signal pairs for receiving signals. Among them, the differential signal pair for sending may include two lines TX+ and TX-, and the differential signal pair for receiving may include two lines RX+ and RX-. So a LANE can have four physical lines. In some implementation scenarios, the sending and receiving of differential signals can be performed simultaneously.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first optoelectronic module (eg Figure 3 The optical module 0 at the A end of the middle PCIe connector 101 is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving of the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the first PCIe connector 101. The second optical module (such as Figure 3 The optoelectronic module 0 at the middle B end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending 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 of the first PCIe connector 101 for transmitting the clock signal, and the second optoelectronic module is also connected to the differential signal pair of the second PCIe connector 103 for transmitting the clock signal. Figure 3Specifically, the signal (i.e., clock signal) of the REFCLK pin of the PCIe connector 101 at the A end can be sent to the optoelectronic module 0 at the A end. After being processed by the optoelectronic module 0 at the A end, the processed signal is transmitted to the optoelectronic module 0 at the B end through the optical fiber. Then, the optoelectronic module 0 at the B end processes the received signal and sends it to the REFCLK pin of the PCIe connector 103 at the B end. At this time, the two electro-optical conversion units of the first optoelectronic module are respectively connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the PCIe channel 0 (LANE0) of the first PCIe connector; the two optoelectronic conversion units of the second optoelectronic module are respectively connected to the differential signal pair for receiving 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 optoelectronic module connected to LANE0 additionally undertakes the task of transmitting the clock signal, while the structure is consistent with the optoelectronic module connected to other LANEs. Therefore, when the optoelectronic module connected to other LANEs fails, communication is still possible, but if the optoelectronic module connected to LANE0 fails, communication is impossible.

[0079] in addition, Figure 3 It is shown that the optoelectronic module may specifically include a first optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 The optoelectronic module 0 at the middle A end or the second optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 The optoelectronic module 0 at the middle B end, and a third optoelectronic module (such as Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of the third optoelectronic modules in the A end and the B end of the PCIe extension cable can be 1 or more. For example, the first end of the PCIe extension cable includes a first optoelectronic module and 1, 3, 7 or 15 third optoelectronic modules, and the second end of the PCIe extension cable includes a second optoelectronic module and 1, 3, 7 or 15 third optoelectronic modules.

[0080] In this implementation scenario, the number of third optoelectronic modules at the first end and the number of third optoelectronic modules at the second end are both n, 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 sending of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the first PCIe connector. The optoelectronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for receiving 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 sending of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector. The optoelectronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for receiving of the PCIe channel i (LANEi) of the second PCIe connector. Wherein, i=1, 2,…, n.

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

[0082] Figure 4 The figure shows that each end of the PCIe extension line includes three third optoelectronic modules, that is, n=3. Specifically, Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure 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, the PCIe extension cable 200, or the PCIe extension cable 300. Figure 1 to Figure 3 The same detailed description applies to Figure 4 .

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the PCIe extension cable 400 may specifically include a first end (such as Figure 4 A end in), the second end (such as Figure 4The 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 also includes an optical fiber 105, which may 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 the figure may specifically include a first optoelectronic module (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 0 at the middle A end or the second optoelectronic module (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic module 0 at the middle B end, and 3 third optoelectronic modules (such as Figure 4 The optoelectronic modules 1 to 3 at the A and B ends).

[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 i-th third optoelectronic module at the first end (eg Figure 4 The electro-optical conversion unit of the optoelectronic module 1, optoelectronic module 2 or optoelectronic module 3 in the A end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending of the PCIe channel (LANE1, LANE2 or LANE3) of the first PCIe connector 101. The i-th third optoelectronic module (such as Figure 4 The photoelectric conversion unit of the photoelectric module 1, the photoelectric module 2 or the photoelectric module 3 in the A end is connected to the PCIe channel i of the first PCIe connector (such as Figure 4 The ith third optoelectronic module at the second end (such as Figure 4 The electro-optical conversion unit of the optoelectronic module 1, optoelectronic module 2 or optoelectronic module 3 in the B end is connected to the PCIe channel i of the second PCIe connector (such as Figure 4 The ith third optoelectronic module at the second end (such as LANE1, LANE2 or LANE3 at the B end) is used to transmit a differential signal pair. Figure 4 The photoelectric conversion unit of the photoelectric module 1, the photoelectric module 2 or the photoelectric module 3 in the B end is connected to the PCIe channel i of the second PCIe connector (such as Figure 4 A differential signal pair for receiving LANE1, LANE2 or LANE3 in the B end.

[0086] In addition, Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment, the optoelectronic module 102 at the first end of the PCIe extension cable can be connected to the first PCIe connector (such as Figure 3 or Figure 4In some embodiments, the second end also includes a third connector (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The optoelectronic 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 optoelectronic 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 the two 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 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 a source device and the PCIe device B is a 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 realize electrical isolation between the source device and the remote device, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of large-scale damage caused by a problem with one end device.

[0088] Figure 5 FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a PCIe extension cable 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that: Figure 5 It can be understood that Figure 1 to Figure 4 Therefore, the above combined with the PCIe extension cable Figure 1 to Figure 4 The detailed description of the PCIe extension cable also applies to the following. In addition, in order to more clearly explain the working principle of the PCIe extension cable, Figure 5 A source device 501 and a remote device 502 are also shown.

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown, the PCIe extension cable 500 may include a first end (eg Figure 5 TX end in), the second end (such as Figure 5The 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 details about the first PCIe connector 101, the optoelectronic module 102, the second PCIe connector 103 and the optoelectronic module 104, please refer to the above combined Figure 1 to Figure 4 The relevant description in will not be repeated 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 TX. The board-to-board connector 107 is connected to the remote device 502 for transmitting signals, etc. The second end can include a connector 108, which can be a USB / HDMI / or other form of socket, which 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 line. Due to the skew limit of LANE to LANE, a special layout design of these optoelectronic modules is required.

[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 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 of the differential signal pair of the PCIe lane j of the first PCIe connector to the differential signal pair of the PCIe lane j (Lanej) of the second PCIe connector are the same, where j=0, 1, 2, .... In addition, when there are multiple optical fibers, 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 optoelectronic modules, between different optoelectronic module pairs, the sum of the distances from the first end optoelectronic module to the first PCIe connector is equal to the distances from the corresponding second end optoelectronic module to the second PCIe connector.

[0094] Figure 6 A specific layout of the optoelectronic module of the disclosed embodiment at both ends of the PCIe extension line is shown.

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

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

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

[0098] Therefore, the solution of this embodiment can transmit PCIe signals commonly used in computer devices in the form of optical signals. Figure 6The layout design shown can support signal transmission of different PCIe rates and different channel numbers. In specific applications, the TX end of the PCIe extension cable can be connected to the M.2 slot of the computer motherboard using connection methods such as M.2 gold fingers. The onboard optoelectronic module can convert the PCIe signal into an optical signal for transmission. In addition, the TX end is powered by the power provided by the motherboard M.2 slot (e.g., 3.3V power).

[0099] In addition, Figure 6 In the figure, the optical modules numbered 0, 1, 2, and 3 correspond to the PCIe channels (LANE0 to LANE3) they are responsible for transmitting. In addition to transmitting the differential signal of the PCIe channel (LANE0), the optical module numbered 0 is also responsible for transmitting the PCIe clock signal.

[0100] In addition, the PCIe extension cable of this embodiment can support the number of data links X1, X2 (such as Figure 3 As shown), X4 (as Figure 4 As shown), X8, X16, etc., the communication rate from low to high is multiplied by an integer power of 2. In some embodiments, if the No. 2 optoelectronic module or the No. 3 optoelectronic module fails unexpectedly, the system will be reduced to the X2 link operation without complete failure. If the No. 1 optoelectronic module fails, it will operate on the X1 link. Only the failure of the No. 0 optoelectronic module will cause the overall failure of the system.

[0101] Figure 7 The structure explosion diagram of the TX end of the PCIe extension cable of the embodiment of the disclosure is shown. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the circuit board (PCB) at the TX end of the PCIe extension cable is provided with an optoelectronic module, a gold finger 106 (other connection methods are also possible), a mounting hole (such as Figure 7 The fixed half hole 109 in the optical module may be omitted), and the power chip 110 (which is used for voltage conversion). In addition, in some embodiments, the circular hole at the TX end away from the optoelectronic module end increases the GND to improve the grounding point of the TX end.

[0102] Figure 8 The structure explosion diagram of the RX end of the PCIe extension cable of the embodiment of the disclosure is shown. Figure 8In the embodiment, the RX end PCB is provided with an optoelectronic module, a board-to-board connector 107, a fixing nut 111, a nut welding hole 112, a connector 108, a fixing hole 113, a power chip (which is used for voltage conversion), etc. Among them, there are multiple fixing nuts 111 and they are arranged at intervals, which are used to install fixing screws to abut the remote device between the board-to-board connector 107 and the fixing nuts 111. 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 point of the remote device and improve the signal stability.

[0103] Specifically, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, the optoelectronic module may specifically include an optoelectronic IC 1021 and an optical component. Among them, the optoelectronic IC 1021 may include an IC bare chip 1021A, a light transmitter (VCSEL) + a light receiver (PD) 1021B. In the present embodiment, the IC bare chip 1021A may be understood as a driver, serving as a driver for the optoelectronic module. VCSEL may be understood as a specific implementation of an electro-optical conversion unit, and PD may be understood as a specific implementation of a photoelectric conversion unit. The optical component may include a lens optical component 1022 and / or a jumper 1023. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the optoelectronic module assembly and the optical fiber fixation and jumper assembly are assembled separately and independently to improve production efficiency.

[0104] In some embodiments, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The optoelectronic IC 1021 in the embodiment may include multiple optoelectronic ICs 1021, wherein the optoelectronic IC 1021 numbered 0 at the TX end may specifically include 2 VCSELs and 1 PD, and the optoelectronic ICs 1021 numbered 0 at the TX end may specifically include 1 VCSEL and 1 PD, and each VCSEL and PD is connected to a power supply and powered by the power supply. The optoelectronic IC 1021 numbered 0 at the Rx end specifically includes 2 PDs and 1 VCSEL. The VCSEL at the TX end is connected to the PD at the RX end through an optical fiber, and the VCSEL at the RX end is connected to the PD at the TX end through an optical fiber.

[0105] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned optoelectronic IC 2021 can adopt a modular design. Specifically, the Lens, IC bare chip, VCSEL and PD can be connected to one side of the substrate by glue and bonding, and electrical contacts (including solder joints or board-to-board connectors for connection to the PCB) are provided at the bottom of the substrate (i.e., the other side). Thus, during installation, the modular optoelectronic IC 2021 only needs to be welded (or installed) as 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 replacing the entire board. In addition, when it is necessary to increase the data path, the data path can be expanded without affecting the original structure, thereby increasing the scope of use and convenience.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the PCIe extension cable are connected only by an optical fiber. Further, the PCIe extension cable also includes a metal wire (e.g., a copper wire) connecting the first end and the second end, which is used to connect the first PCIe connector at the first end and the second PCIe connector at the second end to other signals other than the differential signal pair. For example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, the PCB board of the TX end and the RX end is provided with a pad 114 for other PCIe low-speed signals, which increases the copper wire transmission mode of the PCIe low-speed signals. In addition, the PCB board of the TX end is also provided with an IC pull-up resistor 115.

[0107] For the above-mentioned PCIe low-speed signal, this embodiment proposes three processing schemes. Scheme 1: In some cases, the PCIe device is powered on with the host and does not need to support hot plugging. In order to save cost and space, normal communication can be achieved without connecting the low-speed signal. When it is necessary to transmit a low-speed signal, it can be completed through two schemes: copper wire direct connection and optical transmission. Scheme 2: Copper wire direct connection is to connect the corresponding signals of TX and RX ends by welding wires to the board connector. Since the PCIe low-speed signal only involves high and low level changes to indicate the working status, copper wire can also support longer distances. Scheme 3: In the optical transmission scheme, a single optoelectronic module can be used to transmit the low-speed signal, or time division multiplexing technology can be used to multiplex the optoelectronic module of the high-speed channel to transmit the low-speed signal. Since the PCIe low-speed signal sends a level to indicate the status before the communication is established, the currently used high-speed channel can be used to multiplex the low-speed signal with any one or more optoelectronic modules before high-speed data communication to transmit the low-speed signal. The low-speed signal multiplexing high-speed channel transmission method can use the switching light method or optical pulse method to transmit the high and low levels of a single low-speed signal on a certain high-speed channel. In addition, four low-speed signals can be encoded, multiplexed into a high-speed channel, and optical pulses can be used to represent different code types for transmission, and the signals can be deserialized at the receiving end to restore them to four low-speed signals. The flexible selection of the above three solutions can greatly increase the application scope of the disclosed solution.

[0108] It can be seen that the scheme disclosed in the present invention can realize the transmission of PCIe signals using optical signals based on PCIe extension cables to support long-distance transmission of PCIe signals. In addition, the scheme disclosed in the present invention uses fewer circuit elements, which reduces hardware overhead, and therefore has great advantages in equipment maintenance, manufacturing costs, and power consumption overhead. In addition, each PCIe channel in the PCIe connector in the scheme disclosed in the present invention is independent, and the failure of a certain IC (not No. 0) will not cause the complete failure of the overall function, thereby reducing the probability of failure. Furthermore, in the scheme disclosed in the present invention, independent power supply is used at both ends of the PCIe extension cable, which can achieve electrical isolation between the remote end and the source end, and enhance the safety system of the communication system. The optoelectronic module in the scheme disclosed in the present invention adopts modularization to facilitate maintenance and expansion.

[0109] Furthermore, the solution disclosed herein also proposes a PCIe device with an extension cable.

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

[0111] like Fig. 9As shown, the PCIe device 900 specifically includes a first end, a second end, and an optical fiber 905. 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 sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the optoelectronic module 902 of the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving of the first end.

[0112] The aforementioned second end may include an optoelectronic module 904, a differential signal pair for sending, a differential signal pair for receiving 903, and a PCIe device 906. The optoelectronic module 904 at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving 903 at the second end. In addition, an 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 differential signal pairs for transmission and differential signal pairs for reception can be called a PCIe channel (i.e., LANE), and the PCIe device 906 in the PCIe device 900 also has a PCIe channel, so that the optoelectronic module 904 and the PCIe device 906 in the second end of the PCIe device 900 can be directly connected through the PCIe channel. That is, the optoelectronic module 904 and the PCIe device 906 in the second end of the PCIe device 900 can be designed in an integrated manner (e.g., integrated on the same substrate).

[0114] In some embodiments, the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair 903 for receiving can 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 sending 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 receiving 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 receiving at the first end, and the optoelectronic module 904 at the second end is used to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for sending in the PCIe device 906 at the second end into an optical signal, and transmit it to the optoelectronic module 902 at the first end by the optical fiber.

[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 PCIe extension cable and the second end of the PCIe device 900 are generally understood as Figures 1 to 8The second end of the PCIe extension cable described above. 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 functions and structures of the first PCIe connector 101 and the optoelectronic module 102 in the first end of the PCIe extension cable described above are similar to those of the optoelectronic module 904 in the second end of the PCIe device 900. Figures 1 to 8 The functions of the optoelectronic module 104 at the second end of the PCIe extension cable, the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving 903 at the second end of the PCIe device 900, and the PCIe device 906 are similar. Figures 1 to 8 The structure and function of the optical fiber 905 in the PCIe device 900 are similar to those of the second PCIe connector 103 in the second end of the PCIe extension cable. Figures 1 to 8 Therefore, the specific connection mode and working principle of each component in the PCIe device 900 can be referred to. Figures 1 to 9 The connection relationship and specific working principle of each component in the PCIe extension cable will not be repeated here.

[0116] Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of a PCIe device 1000 with an extension cable according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0117] like Fig.10 As shown, the PCIe device 1000 may include a PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device 1006. The PCIe extension cable may include Figures 1 to 8 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, an optoelectronic module 102, and the second end may include a second PCIe connector 103, an optoelectronic module 104.

[0118] In this embodiment, the PCIe device 1006 in the PCIe equipment 1000 is indirectly connected to the optoelectronic module 104 in the second end. Specifically, the PCIe device 1006 can be connected to the optoelectronic module 104 through the second PCIe connector 103 or the like.

[0119] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a PCIe device 1100 with an extension cable according to 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, in order to explain the working principle of the PCIe device 1100 more clearly, Fig.11 PCIe device A is also shown.

[0120] Specifically, Fig.11 As shown, the PCIe device 1100 may include a PCIe extension cable and a PCIe device B (i.e., a PCIe device). The PCIe extension cable may include a PCIe extension cable A end (i.e., a first end) and a PCIe extension cable B end. The PCIe extension cable A end may include a PCIe connector and a plurality of optoelectronic modules (e.g., Fig.11 The PCIe extension cable B end may include a PCIe connector and multiple optoelectronic modules (such as Fig.11 The optoelectronic modules numbered 0 to 3 in the figure).

[0121] In this embodiment, the optoelectronic module in the PCIe extension cable end A can be connected to the optoelectronic module in the PCIe extension cable end B through an optical fiber. In addition, when the PCIe connector in the PCIe extension cable end A and the PCIe connector in the PCIe extension cable end B have other signals to be transmitted in addition to the differential signal pair, the PCIe connector in the PCIe extension cable end A and the PCIe connector in the PCIe extension cable end B can be directly connected through a metal wire (such as a copper wire, etc.).

[0122] In this implementation scenario, the power of the PCIe extension cable B end can be provided by the PCIe device A. In this case, no additional connector (such as a USB connector, etc.) is required at the PCIe extension cable B end to provide power. It should be noted that the connector used to provide power may include various types of connectors such as Y-cable, USB, and type-c.

[0123] In addition, if Fig.11 As shown, the PCIe extension cable B end can be integrated in the PCIe device B. The PCIe device B can specifically include a PCIe module, and the PCIe device B is connected to 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 can also include a graphics card, a solid-state drive (PCIe interface form), a wireless network card, a wired network card, a sound card, a video capture card, a PCIe to M.2 interface, a PCIe to USB interface, a PCIe to Type-C interface, etc. (in this case, the corresponding PCIE connector form can be changed).

[0124] Fig.12 Shown above Figures 1 to 11 The specific working principle of the PCIe extension cable involved.

[0125] Specifically, Fig.12 A signal transmission method 1200 of a PCIe extension line is shown, comprising:

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

[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 a differential signal pair of the differential signal for receiving at the second end.

[0128] Therefore, based on the cooperation between the PCIe connector, optoelectronic module and optical fiber 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 only exemplary and not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the features and functions of 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 into multiple devices to be embodied.

[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 disclosed specific embodiments, and the division of various aspects does not mean that the features in these aspects cannot be combined to benefit, and such division is only for the convenience of expression. The present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included in the spirit and scope of the attached claims. The scope of the attached claims conforms to the broadest interpretation, thereby including all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A PCIe extension cable, characterized in that: include: A first end, wherein the first end includes a first PCIe connector and an optoelectronic module, the first PCIe connector includes a differential signal pair for sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the optoelectronic module of the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving of the first end; A second end, wherein the second end includes a second PCIe connector and an optoelectronic module, the second PCIe connector includes a differential signal pair for sending and a differential signal pair for receiving, and the optoelectronic module of the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for receiving of the second end; The optoelectronic module includes an optoelectronic conversion unit, an electro-optical conversion unit and an optical component, wherein the optoelectronic conversion unit is used to convert a received optical signal into a differential signal; The electro-optical conversion unit is used to convert the received differential signal into an optical signal; the photoelectric conversion unit and / or the electro-optical conversion unit is coupled to the optical fiber through the optical component; as well as An optical fiber is used to connect the optoelectronic module at the first end and the optoelectronic module at the second end.

2. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optoelectronic module 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 to the optoelectronic module at the second end by an optical fiber; The optoelectronic module at the second end is used to convert the optical signal into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for receiving at the second end; The optoelectronic module at the first end is used to convert the optical signal from the optical fiber into a differential signal and transmit it to the differential signal pair for receiving at the first end; The optoelectronic module at the second end is used to convert the differential signal of the differential signal pair for transmission at the second end into an optical signal, and transmit the optical signal to the optoelectronic module at the first end through the optical fiber.

3. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: 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 fibers include 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; 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.

4. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: The optoelectronic module at the first end includes a first optoelectronic module and a third optoelectronic module, and the optoelectronic module at the second end includes a second optoelectronic module and a third optoelectronic module; the optical fibers include at least five; the first optoelectronic module includes two electro-optical conversion units and one electro-optical conversion unit; the second optoelectronic module includes two electro-optical conversion units and one electro-optical conversion unit; the third optoelectronic module includes one electro-optical conversion unit 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 photoelectric conversion units of the second optoelectronic module through an optical fiber; 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; the electro-optical conversion unit of the third optoelectronic module at the first end is connected to the photoelectric conversion unit of the third optoelectronic module at the second end through an optical fiber; the photoelectric 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.

5. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two electro-optical conversion units of the first optoelectronic module are respectively connected to the differential signal pair for sending and the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the PCIe channel 0 of the first PCIe connector; The two optoelectronic conversion units of the second optoelectronic module are respectively connected to the differential signal pair for receiving and the differential signal pair for transmitting the clock signal of the PCIe channel 0 of the second PCIe connector.

6. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 4, characterized in that: 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 of the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for sending of the PCIe channel i of the first PCIe connector; the optoelectronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module of the first end is connected to the differential signal pair for receiving of the PCIe channel i 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 sending of the PCIe channel i of the second PCIe connector; the optoelectronic conversion unit of the i-th third optoelectronic module at the second end is connected to the differential signal pair for receiving of the PCIe channel i of the second PCIe connector; Where i=1, 2,…, n.

7. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 6, characterized in that: An optoelectronic module at the first end and an optoelectronic module at the second end are connected via optical fiber to form an optoelectronic module pair. Between different optoelectronic module pairs, the sum of the distance from the optoelectronic module at the first end to the first PCIe connector is equal to the sum of the distance from the optoelectronic module at the corresponding second end to the second PCIe connector.

8. The PCIe extension cable according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first end includes a first circuit board, a first side of the first circuit board being closer to the optical fiber than other sides of the first circuit board; The first optoelectronic module at the first end is further away 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; The third optoelectronic module at the first end is farther away from or closer to the first side than other third optoelectronic modules, and the third optoelectronic module at the second end of the corresponding optoelectronic module pair is closer to or farther from the second side than other third optoelectronic modules.

9. The PCIe extension cable according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The optoelectronic 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 optoelectronic module at the second end obtains power from the third connector.

10. A PCIe device with an extension cable, characterized in that: include: PCIe extension cable and PCIe device; The PCIe extension cable is a PCIe extension cable according to any one of claims 1-9; The PCIe device is connected to the PCIe connector at the second end of the PCIe extension cable; the PCIe device is an electronic device supporting the PCIe protocol.

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