High power and data over optical fiber

Abstract

A method and apparatus for delivering power and data over optical fiber. The Power over Fiber (PoF) optical power and data delivery system, includes a PoF transmitter and a PoF receiver that are connected by an enhanced capacity PoF optical cable. The PoF transmitter is configured to convert electrical power to optical power, encode data into light signals, and supply the optical power and light signals to an output of the PoF transmitter. The PoF receiver is configured to receive the optical power and light signals from the optical cable input, decode the light signals into data, and convert the optical power to electrical power. The PoF receiver is further configured to interface with an Ethernet powered device and supply electrical power to the Ethernet powered device.

Description

HIGH POWER AND DATA OVER OPTICAL FIBERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 596.155, filed November 3. 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith.BACKGROUND

[0002] Wires, such as Ethernet cables, are a traditional method of transmitting power. Ethernet cables are typically made out of copper wires, which are excellent conductors of electricity and widely used in networking cables. The copper wires inside the Ethernet cable enable the transmission of electrical signals, which carry the data between devices. Ethernet cables commonly use twisted pair copper wires, specifically four pairs of copper wires that are twisted together. The twisting of the wires helps reduce interference and crosstalk between the pairs, improving the overall performance of the cable. The most commonly used Ethernet cable is known as “Category 5e” (Cat5e), which contains twisted pair copper wires.

[0003] Additionally, there are other types of Ethernet cables that use different materials for the conductors. For example, fiber optic Ethernet cables, also known as optical fiber cables or fiber cables, are a type of Ethernet cable that use strands of glass or plastic fibers to carry data signals. Instead of using electrical signals like copper-based cables, fiber optic cables use pulses of light to carry information over long distances and at high speeds. These fiber optic cables are known for their high-speed data transmission capabilities over longer distances (also known as high bandwidth-distance product, e.g., gigabit-kilometers / second). But for most regular Ethernet connections, especially in home and office environments, copper-based Ethernet cables, specifically Cat5e or newer variations like Cat6 or Cat6a. are widely used due to their reliability and costeffectiveness.

[0004] Power beaming is an emerging method of transmitting power to places where it is difficult or inconvenient to access using wires, by transmitting a beam of electromagnetic energy to a specially designed receiver which converts it to electricity. Power beaming systems may be free-space (where a beam is sent through atmosphere, vacuum, liquid, or other non-optically-designed media), or Power over Fiber (PoF), where the power is transmitted through an optical fiber. The latter may share certaindisadvantages with wires in some circumstances, but may also offer increased transmission efficiency, electrical isolation, and / or safety’. Free-space power beaming may be more flexible, but it may also offer more challenges for accurate targeting of receivers and avoiding hazards such as reflections and objects intruding on the power beam.

[0005] All of the subject matter discussed in the Background section is not necessarily prior art and should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its discussion in the Background section. Along these lines, any recognition of problems in the prior art discussed in the Background section or associated with such subject matter should not be treated as prior art unless expressly stated to be prior art. Instead, the discussion of any subject matter in the Background section should be treated as part of the inventors’ approach to the particular problem, which in and of itself may also be inventive.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for transmitting high power and data over optical fiber. The components of the high power and data over optical fiber system may include a Power over Fiber (PoF) transmitter, a fiber cable assembly, a PoF receiver, and PoF-compatible powered device.

[0007] Briefly stated, embodiments described herein are directed towards a PoF optical power and data delivery system. The system includes a PoF transmitter that is coupled to an electrical power supply. The PoF transmitter is configured to convert electrical power to optical power, encode data into light signals, and supply the optical power and light signals through an optical output of the PoF transmitter to an optical input of a PoF optical cable. The PoF receiver has an optical cable input and is configured to receive the optical power and light signals from an optical cable output, decode the light signals into data, and convert the optical power to electrical power. The PoF receiver is further configured to interface with an input of a powered device and supply both the electrical power and the digital data to the powered device. An enhanced capacity PoF optical cable is operatively coupled between the optical output of the PoF transmitter and the optical cable input of the PoF receiver. The enhanced capacity’ PoF optical cable includes one or more optical fibers that are configured to cany’ the optical power and light signals supplied by the PoF transmitter. In this manner, the enhanced capacity cable delivers both electrical power and digital data to the input of the powered device.

[0008] In some embodiments of the PoF optical power and data delivery- system, the enhanced capacity’ PoF optical cable delivers both electricity and data withoutsignificant degradation over a length greater than 100 meters or 500 meters. In another aspect of some embodiments, the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable delivers both electricity and data without significant degradation at a unit of electrical power greater than 25 watts, 100 watts, or 300 watts. The system may have a power-distance product of at least 5 W-km, 50 W-km, or 300 W-km. The PoF optical cable may have only optical fibers.

[0009] In yet another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF transmitter includes one or more laser drivers and one or more corresponding fiber-coupled laser diodes configured to generate and send the light signals. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a diode-pumped fiber laser is employed, or even a diode-pumped solid state laser that is fiber coupled. In another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF receiver includes one or more receiver modules configured to receive the light signals. In still another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF receiver includes a power conversion regulator board (e.g., a DC-DC converter that includes photovoltaic cells) configured to convert the optical power into electrical power. These embodiments may further include a second PoF transmitter configured to convert electrical power to optical power, encode data into light signals, and supply the optical power and the light signals through an optical output of the second PoF transmitter to an optical input of a second PoF optical cable. The second PoF transmitter may be remotely located from the PoF transmitter described above, and the system may include a failover circuit configured to respond to a determination that the powered device is not receiving sufficient power from the PoF cable by supplying power to the powered device from the second PoF optical cable. Some embodiments may include a second PoF receiver configured to receive optical power and light signals from a second optical output of a second optical cable, decode the light signals into digital data, convert the optical power to electrical power, and deliver the electrical power and the digital data to a second powered device. These embodiments may further include a failover circuit configured to respond to a determination that the powered device is not receiving sufficient power from the PoF cable by supplying electrical power to the powered device from the second PoF optical cable, and the failover circuit may be further configured to discontinue supplying electrical power to the second powered device upon responding by supplying power to the powered device. Further embodiments may include a second PoF receiver configured to receive optical power and light signals from a second optical output of a second opticalcable, decode the light signals into digital data, convert the optical power to electrical power, and deliver the electrical power and the digital data to the powered device.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, a PoF optical power and data delivery system is disclosed. In one such embodiment, the PoF optical power and data delivery system includes a PoF optical transmitter, a PoF optical receiver, and a PoF optical cable assembly operatively coupled between them. The PoF optical transmitter is coupled to a power source, and is configured to: convert electrical power provided by the power source into optical power to be carried by an optical fiber; and encode digital data onto an optical signal according to a standard selected from the group consisting over Ethernet, USB, USB-C, and Thunderbolt. The PoF optical cable assembly includes one or more optical fibers, and is configured to transmit the optical power and optical signals that carry power and digital data. The PoF optical receiver is configured to receive the optical power and optical signals transmitted over the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable, convert the optical power into electrical power, decode the optical signal according to the selected standard to obtain digital data, and interface with a combination power and data enabled powered device to transmit the electrical power and the digital data to the combination power and data enabled powered device.

[0011] In some embodiments of the PoF optical power and data delivery system, the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable delivers both electrical power and data without significant degradation over a length greater than 100 meters or 500 meters. In another aspect of some embodiments, the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable delivers both electrical power and data without significant degradation at a unit of electrical power greater than 25 watts, 100 watts, or 300 watts. The optical power and the optical signal may be carried by the same fiber or by different fibers of the optical cable assembly. In still another aspect of some embodiments, the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable only includes optical fibers, and does not include metallic cable.

[0012] In yet another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF transmitter includes one or more laser drivers and one or more corresponding fiber-coupled laser diodes configured to generate and send the light signals. In another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF receiver includes one or more receiver modules configured to receive the light signals. In still another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF receiver includes a power conversion regulator board configured to convert the optical power into electrical power.

[0013] Additionally, some embodiments described herein are directed towards a PoF optical power and data delivery method that includes converting, using a PoFtransmitter, electrical power provided by a power source into optical power on a first optical fiber in an PoF optical cable assembly, encoding, using the PoF transmitter, digital data onto an optical signal on a second optical fiber in the PoF optical cable assembly, transmitting, using the PoF optical cable assembly, the optical signal carrying digital data on the second optical fiber, and the optical power on the first optical fiber through the PoF optical cable assembly, receiving, using a PoF receiver, the optical power and the optical signal transmitted over the PoF optical cable assembly, converting, using the PoF receiver, the optical power into electrical power, decoding, using the PoF receiver, the optical signal to obtain digital data, and providing, using the PoF receiver, the digital data and electrical power to a Power over Ethernet compatible device.

[0014] In some embodiments of the PoF optical power and data delivery system, the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable delivers both power and data without substantial degradation over a length greater than 100 meters or greater than 500 meters. In another aspect of some embodiments, the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable delivers both power and data without substantial degradation at a unit of electrical power greater than 25 watts, greater than 100 watts, or greater than 300 watts. In still another aspect of some embodiments, the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable only includes optical fibers, and does not include metallic cable.

[0015] In yet another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF transmitter includes one or more laser drivers and one or more corresponding fiber-coupled laser diodes configured to generate and send the light signals. In another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF receiver includes one or more receiver modules configured to receive the light signals. In still another aspect of some embodiments, the PoF receiver includes a power conversion regulator board configured to convert the optical power into electrical power.

[0016] In still a further aspect of some embodiments, the method further includes detecting that the Power over Ethernet compatible device is in need of additional power, converting, using a second PoF transmitter, electrical power provided by a second power source into optical power on a third optical fiber in a second PoF optical cable assembly, encoding, using the second PoF transmitter, digital data onto an optical signal on a fourth optical fiber in the second PoF optical cable assembly, transmitting, using the second PoF optical cable assembly, the optical signal carry ing digital data on the fourth optical fiber, and the optical power on the third optical fiber through the PoF optical cable assembly, receiving, using a second PoF receiver, the optical power and the optical signal transmitted over the second PoF optical cable assembly, converting, using the second PoF receiver,the optical power received from the second PoF optical cable assembly into additional electrical power, decoding, using the second PoF receiver, the optical signal received from the second PoF optical cable assembly to obtain additional digital data, and providing, using the second PoF receiver, the additional digital data and the additional electrical power to the Power over Ethernet compatible device. The method may further include, before detecting that the Power over Ethernet compatible device is in need of additional power, providing, using the second PoF receiver, digital data and electrical power to a second Power over Ethernet compatible device, and optionally discontinuing providing digital data and electrical power to the second Power over Ethernet compatible device upon providing the additional digital data and the additional electrical power to the Power over Ethernet compatible device.

[0017] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The figures depict one or more implementations in accordance w ith the present teachings, by w ay of example only, not by w ay of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a power beaming transmitter and receiver.

[0020] Figure 2 is an abstracted diagram of the pow er beaming transmitter of Figure 1, showing interrelationships betw een components of the transmitter.

[0021] Figure 3 is an abstracted diagram of the power receiver of Figure 1, showing interrelationships between components of the receiver.

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a PoE power and data delivery system.

[0023] Figure 5 (which is shown as views Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B) is a schematic diagram of a PoF pow er and data delivery system, in which the PoF receiver has an output power connector and an output Ethernet Jack.

[0024] Figure 6 (which is shown as views Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B) is a schematic diagram of a PoF power and data delivery system, in which the PoF receiver has an output power conversion regulator board that includes both output power and output data in a single connection.

[0025] Figure 7 (which is shown as views Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B) is a schematic diagram of a PoF pow er and data delivery system, in which the PoF transmitter has an input power conversion regulator board that is configured to receive PoE input in a single connection that includes both input power and input data.

[0026] Figure 8 (which is shown as views Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B) is a schematic diagram of a PoF po er and data delivery- system, in which the PoF transmitter has an input power conversion regulator board that is configured to receive USB input in a single connection that includes both input power and input data, and the PoF receiver has an output power conversion regulator board that includes both output power and output data in a single USB connection.

[0027] Figure 9 is a logic diagram showing a method for PoF power and data delivery.

[0028] Figure 10 shows a system diagram that describes an example implementation of a computing system(s) for implementing embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by w ay of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. How ever, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuitry- have been described at a relatively high level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will nevertheless understand the features of these methods, procedures, components, and / or circuitry and how they may be used in the descriptions below.

[0030] Other relevant material may be found in other patents and applications as follows:

[0031] Each of these related applications and patents is incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

[0032] Throughout the specification, claims, and figures, the following terms take the meaning explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “herein” refers to the specification, claims, and figures associated with the current application. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” and other variations thereof refer to one or more features, structures, functions, limitations, or characteristics of the present disclosure, and are not limited to the same or different embodiments unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the phrases “A or B, or both” or “A or B or C, or any combination thereof,” and lists with additional elements are similarly treated. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional features, functions, aspects, or limitations not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include singular and plural references.

[0033] It will be understood that the term “light source” is intended to encompass all forms of electromagnetic radiation that may be used to transmit energy', and not only visible light. For example, a light source (e.g., a diode laser, fiber laser, light-emitting diode, magnetron, or klystron) may emit ultraviolet, visible, infrared, millimeter wave, microwave, radio waves, and / or other electromagnetic waves, any of which may be referred to herein generally as “light.” The terms “power beam,” or “optical power” are used herein interchangeably with “light beam” to mean a high-irradiance transmission, generally directional in nature, which may be coherent or incoherent, of a single wavelength or multiple wavelengths, and pulsed or continuous. A power beaming system may be free-space, Power over Fiber (PoF), or may include components of each. For example, a transmitter may transmit a free-space power beam to a receiver surface, which may conduct it as light over an optical fiber to a photovoltaic (PV) cell which converts it to electricity’. For the sake of readability, the description may use the term “laser” to describe a light source; nevertheless, other sources such as (but not limited to) lightemitting diodes, magnetrons, or klystrons may also be contemplated unless context dictates otherwise.

[0034] The terms “fiber” or “optical fiber,” as used herein, includes all types of waveguides that may be used to carry a power beam. Nonlimiting examples include ametal waveguide carry ing a microwave or RF beam or an optical waveguide (fiber) carrying UV, visible, or IR beams. Nonlimiting examples of the latter include a step-index multimode silica fiber, a gradient-index fiber, a photonic crystal hollow core fiber, a nested anti-resonant hollow core fiber (NANF), or a ZBLAN fiber (which may include fluorine combined with some combination of Zr, Ba, La, Al, and Na, and which may be grown in microgravity).

[0035] For many applications, a power receiver is arranged to receive the free- space or PoF power beam and convert it to electricity, for example using PV cells or other components for converting light to electricity7(e.g, a rectenna for converting micro wave power or a heat engine for converting heat generated by the light beam to electricity). For the sake of readability, this application may refer to "PV cells’7with the understanding that other components having a similar function (such as but not limited to those listed above) may be substituted without departing from the scope of the application.Power Beaming Systems

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a power beam transmitter 102 and receiver 104 in a Power over Fiber (PoF) system. Laser 106 is a component of optics unit 110, which directs a power beam into optical fiber 109 (e.g. , a fiber cable assembly that contain one or multiple fibers), which carries the beam to power receiver 104. In some implementations, optical fiber 109 may also carry telemetry and / or safety signals, either in the same fiber as the power beam or in a separate fiber which may' be cabled with the power fiber. Optional chiller 114 is shown as connected to laser 106, but other components of transmitter 102 may also have independent or connected thermal management systems as required. Also shown in Figure 1 as part of transmitter 102 are TX controller 120, user interface 122, and TX communication unit 124, all of which are further discussed below in connection with Figure 2. It will be understood that transmitter 102 may include other elements, such as beam shapers, guard beams, or other appropriate accessory elements, that have been omitted from Figure 1 for the sake of simplicity of the illustration. Some of these elements are shown schematically below in Figure 2, but those of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to combine optical and control elements in a power transmitter.

[0037] Receiver 104 includes a PV array 130, which includes a plurality of individual PV cells 132 (not all PV cells are labeled in order to avoid unnecessarily cluttering the figure). PV cells 132 convert the incoming power beam into electricity asfurther described below. RX communication unit 138 is in communication with TX communication unit 124 (as indicated by the dashed line), and may be used for safety, tracking, telemetry, feedback control, or any other purpose for which it may be desirable for transmitter 102 and receiver 104 to communicate. While the illustrated embodiment provides communication across a separate channel such as a radio link between transmitter 102 and receiver 104, it is also contemplated that communication may be accomplished via modulation of the power beam or other appropriate components of the power beaming system. As described above, telemetry and / or safety signals may also be carried in a separate optical fiber, which may, in some implementations, be cabled with a power fiber in optical fiber 109. Receiver 104 may also include optional RX sensors 140, further described below in connection with Figure 3.

[0038] Figure 2 shows functional relationships between components of the transmitter. Transmitter 102 includes a laser 106, but it will be understood that other lightgenerating components, such as an LED or a magnetron, may be substituted for laser 106 in some implementations. Laser 106 is connected to controller 120, power supply unit (PSU) 202 (which is in turn connected to input power 204), and a thermal management system (chiller) 114. Controller 120 controls operation of laser 106 and may be manual (for example using optional user interface 122, which in some implementations may be a display providing data about power transmission, and may in other implementations may allow control of laser 106 or other elements of transmitter 102), partially automated, or fully automated, depending on design constraints of the system. In particular, controller 120 may receive input from a safety system (not shown), for example as described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Nos. 10,634.813, 10,816,694, 11,105,954, 11,368,054, 10,488,549 and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 613,021.

[0039] The safety system may be designed to turn dow n or to turn off the beam, for example when an uninterrupted optical path from transmitter 102 to receiver 104 cannot be assured or when other hazardous conditions may be associated with continuing to beam power. Controller 120 may receive input (data) from other components, for example, to monitor the health or temperature of laser 106, such as one or more sensors 214. PSU 202 drawls power from input power 204, which may be, for example, a power grid, a generator, or a battery, and supplies it to laser 106. In the figure, controller 120 and chiller 114 are directly connected to input power 204, but in other embodiments, these or other components may receive power from power supply unit 202. Chiller 114 circulates coolant (which may be water or other fluid) to laser 106 (and / or other components of thetransmitter as necessary) and makes sure that the coolant does not exceed safe values. In some implementations, sensors 214 also monitor the temperature of laser 106 (for example, under control of controller 120), so that the system can be shut down if laser 106 becomes too hot without it being detected by chiller 114 (e.g. , in case of a coolant leak).

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the pow er beam emerges from light source 106 and enters fiber connector 206, from which it passes into fiber 109. In other implementations, fiber connector 206 may be omitted, or may include a fusion spliced connection, which may be inside transmitter 102, outside transmitter 102, or both. Control and data signals may pass between controller 120 and other components (e.g., laser 106, chiller 114, user interface 122, communication unit 124, or sensor(s) 214), as shown by dot-dashed lines in Figure 2, and controller 120 may control communication with the receiver, for example using transmitter communication unit 124.

[0041] Figure 3 show s functional relationships between components of power receiver 104. Illustrated receiver 104 includes power converter 302, which includes PV array 130 of PV cells 132. Power converter 302 is configured to convert the incoming power beam from fiber 109 into electricity (or, in some implementations, into another useful form of energy). As discussed above in connection with Figure 2, a connection betw een fiber 109 and power receiver 104 may include a separate connector, a fusion splice, or both, which may be inside receiver 104, outside receiver 104, or both. Receiver 104 may also include optics 304, which may shape or modify the received beam before it reaches PV array 130, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 613,028. Shaping / modification of the beam may include, for example, spreading the beam out, concentrating it, splitting it into discrete regions directed to individual PV cells, or shaping the beam profile to provide more even illumination of different PV cells of PV array 130. In many implementations, PV array 130 includes a thermal management system 306. This system may include passive or active cooling, and it may be configured to send a signal back to transmitter 102 if any part of PV array 130 exceeds safe temperature limits (for example, via RX communication unit 138).

[0042] Power converter 302 may further be connected to power management and distribution (PMAD) system 308. PMAD system 308 may power user devices 310, a power bus 312, energy storage devices 314, or other appropriate components. PMAD system 308 may be connected to controller 316, which may monitor PV array 130 via sensors 140, for example monitoring voltage, current, and / or temperature of individual photovoltaic cells, groups of cells, or of the whole array, voltage and / or cunent of thePMAD or of individual loads. In some implementations, controller 316 may also include Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for PV array 130, while in other implementations MPPT may be handled by PMAD system 308. PMAD system 308 may also include DC / DC converters, for example to provide power to devices 310, 312, 314 with preferred voltage and current characteristics. Telemetry' unit 318 may send any or all of the above data back to the transmitter for use in controlling the power beam, for example, through RX communications unit 138. In some implementations, controller 316 may communicate with a receiver user interface 320, which may allow local viewing and / or control of receiver operations by a user of the power receiver.

[0043] Any receiver components that require power, for example, but not limited to. thermal management system 306, RX communication unit 138, PMAD system 308, controller 316, telemetry unit 318, and / or user interface 320, may be powered by power converter 302 (directly or via PMAD 308) if desired. If components are powered by converter 302, the system might include a battery (either as part of energy storage 314 or as a separate component) to power these components during start-up or at other times when converter 302 is not supplying power.

[0044] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow; are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0045] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily implying any relationship or order between such entities. The terms “comprise’' and “include” in all their grammatical forms are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, apparatus, or composition of matter that comprises or includes a list of elements may also include other elements not expressly listed. An element preceded by “a” or “an” does not, w ithout further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical or similar elements.

[0046] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features may be grouped together in various examples for the purpose of clarity of explanation. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Furthermore, features from one example may be freely included in another, or substituted for one another, without departing from the overall scope and spirit of the instant application.Power Over Ethernet

[0047] Ethernet cables are typically used to connect devices to a network and transfer data. However, with Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems, the same cable can also provide power to the connected devices. A technological improvement of PoE is that it increases efficiency and reduces the need for additional power cables. Devices that support PoE, such as IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and some loT devices, can be conveniently powered through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power adapters or electrical outlets.

[0048] The PoE-enabled network switch or a PoE injector is used to send both data and power over the Ethernet cable. The PoE injector / s witch injects power into the cable and combines it with the data signal. The PoE-compatible device is the device that needs to be powered (e.g.. an IP camera). The PoE-compatible device connects to the other end of the Ethernet cable. This device is PoE-compatible, that is, it has the necessary circuitry to receive power from the Ethernet cable. The PoE-enabled switch or PoE injector sends power and data simultaneously over the power and data transmission cable, which is a type of Ethernet cable. The power may be carried on specific wire pairs within the Ethernet cable, distinct from the wires used for data transmission, which may ensure that the power does not interfere with the data signals. The PoE-compatible device receives the power from the Ethernet cable and uses the power to operate the device. The device has built-in circuitry that separates the power from the data, allowing it to use the power to run its internal components.

[0049] Notably, there are different PoE standards, such as IEEE 802.3af (PoE), IEEE 802.3at (PoE+), and IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++). These standards define the maximum power that can be delivered over the Ethernet cable, ranging from 15.4 watts (PoE) to 60 watts (PoE++) or more. The power requirement of the device being powered must align with the PoE standard used to ensure compatibility. PoE has become increasingly popularin various applications as it offers flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and simplified installation for networked devices. It eliminates the need for separate power supplies, reduces cable clutter, and provides a convenient way to power devices over existing Ethernet infrastructure.

[0050] A PoE-enabled network switch is a specialized network switch that is capable of providing Power over Ethernet (PoE) to connected devices. A PoE-enabled network switch provides several useful functions, such as data switching, power sourcing, power distribution, power budget management, and data and power separation. Regarding the data switching functionality, like a regular network switch, a PoE-enabled switch enables multiple devices to connect and communicate with each other over an Ethernet network. A PoE-enabled switch has multiple Ethernet interfaces that devices can plug into, and it facilitates the exchange of data packets between those devices. Devices that may plug into a PoE-enabled switch include things like cameras, wireless access points, or phones. Regarding the power sourcing functionality, a PoE-enabled switch has the ability to supply power to PoE-compatible devices. It has built-in power sourcing capabilities, meaning it can inject electrical power into the Ethernet cables that connect to the devices. Thus, instead of needing separate power cords for each device, the switch can power them directly.

[0051] Regarding the power distribution functionality, the PoE-enabled switch distributes power to the connected devices in a controlled manner. The PoE-enabled swatch ensures that the devices receive the appropriate amount of powder according to the PoE standard being used (e.g, PoE, PoE+, or PoE++). The PoE-enabled switch manages the power delivery based on the power requirements of each device. Regarding the pow er budget management functionality, a PoE-enabled switch typically has a po er budget that limits the total amount of power it can provide to connected devices. The PoE-enabled switch monitors and manages the power consumption of each device to ensure that the power budget is not exceeded. This helps prevent overloading the switch and ensures stable operation. Regarding the data and power separation functionality, the PoE-enabled switch keeps the power and data signals separate within the Ethernet cables. The PoE- enabled switch uses techniques such as power negotiation and isolation transformers to ensure that the pow er does not interfere with the data transmission. This enables both power and data to be transmitted simultaneously over the same Ethernet cable without causing any issues. In this manner, a PoE-enabled network switch combines the functionality of a standard netw ork switch with the ability to provide power over Ethernet.Additionally, the PoE-enabled network switch enables devices to be powered and networked using a single Ethernet cable, thus, simplifying installation and reducing the need for additional power supplies.

[0052] While fiber optic cables are widely used for high-speed data transmission, they are not typically designed or used for power delivery. In comparison, PoE technology is specifically developed for delivering power over Ethernet cables that use copper conductors. PoE has become a standard method for providing power to various network devices, such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones, by utilizing the existing Ethernet infrastructure. However, this technology has a 100-meter transmission limit that significantly restricts the implementation of this technology'.Optical Power Over Fiber (PoF)

[0053] Notably, fiber optic cables can transmit data over dramatically longer distances than copper-based cables. While copper cables are limited in distance due to signal degradation, fiber optic cables can transmit data over much longer spans without significant loss of signal qualify due to the internal reflection. This makes fiber optic cables suitable for networking applications that require long-distance connectivity'. Fiber optic cable types include single-mode fibers as well as multimode fibers. Single-mode fibers may be used for long-distance transmissions, while multimode fibers may be suitable for shorter distances. Fiber optic Ethernet cables are commonly used in various applications, including telecommunications, data centers, enterprise networks, Internet service providers (ISPs), and long-distance network connections, as well as high-speed Internet access in homes and businesses. Traditionally, fiber optic Ethernet cables are designed for transmitting data using light signals, rather than for carrying electrical power. Unlike Power over Ethernet (PoE), where power and data are sent over the same cable, fiber optic cables have traditionally been used for data transmission only. While hybrid cable with both optical fibers for data transmission and copper wires for power transmission exist, these are limited by the need for high voltages, large and heavy copper conductors, significant powder losses at longer distances (power loss usually varies with the square of the distance), or a combination of these factors.

[0054] Referring now to Figure 4, a prior art Pow er over Ethernet (PoE) system 400 utilizes a technology that enables both data and power to be transmitted over a single copper-based Ethernet cable. Specifically, in a PoE system 400. a PoE switch 410 sends data and power to a powered end station (e.g. , PoE receiver) 420 over a PoE cable 430. Apowered device 440 connects to the powered end station 420 to receive power and data over the PoE cable 430. In the PoE system 400, a main I DC power input 450 is connected to power sourcing equipment 470 in the PoE switch 410. Additionally, a wired Ethernet connection 460 also connects to the PoE switch transmission 410. It is also possible to replace PoE switch 410 with a non-PoE switch (not shown) and a power injector to inject power into the transmission line downstream of the non-PoE switch, to add a PoE splitter (not shown) between powered end station 420 and powered device 440 to separate power and data into separate input ports of powered device 440, or to do both. In any of these cases, power and data run over twisted pair copper wires in Ethernet cable 430.

[0055] Traditional PoE runs power superimposed on the data line. This technology typically has a distance limit of about 100 meters using traditional copper Ethernet cables. While '‘data only” may be transmitted much further over traditional copper Ethernet cables, “data with power" may only be transmitted about 100 meters using traditional copper Ethernet cables. In the high power and data over fiber system described herein, PoF components (including fiber cables and PoF system controllers) replace the copper cables and power sourcing equipment 470 of a typical PoE implementation. Notably, end-user powered devices 440 may not be able to tell the difference between the PoE receiver 420 and the PoF receiver (z.e., the powered device does not know the PoE implementation utilizes fiber instead of copper cable), so no specialized interface is required to connect to the end-user powered devices 440. The high powder and data over fiber system replaces power sourcing equipment 470 in a PoF system 400 with PoF components, thereby allowing much greater distance between a powder source and a powered device.

[0056] Referring now to a high optical power and data over fiber system, such a system has several stages, including: power-optical conversion, optical fiber transmission, and receiver end powder-optical conversion. The power-optical conversion process begins with an electrical power source, such as a battery or a power supply, which generates electrical energy. At the power to optical conversion stage, the electrical energy is converted into optical power (or light) to send power over optical fiber. This conversion is typically achieved using devices called photovoltaic cells or photodiodes, which convert electrical energy into light energy . In some embodiments, the high pow er and data over fiber method modulates the electrical power to control the intensity or other properties of the generated light signals. This modulation process ensures that the light signals carry the desired power level and characteristics. The modulated light signals are then coupled intothe optical fiber for the transmission of the light signals. The fiber optic cable includes a core, through which the light propagates, in the central part of the fiber. The fiber optic cable further includes a cladding that surrounds the core to reflect the light back into the core. The light signals travel through the core of the fiber, bouncing off the cladding due to total internal reflection. This total internal reflection helps maintain the light signal’s intensity and quality. Advantageously, the fiber optic cable carries the light signals (and thus, power) over long distances without significant loss or degradation. Finally, at the receiver end power-optical conversion stage, the optical power is converted back into electrical power using another set of photovoltaic cells or photodiodes. This second conversion process transforms the light energy back into electrical energy that can be used to power devices or charge batteries. The use of a fiber optic cable instead of an electrically conductive cable means that the cable is much more robust against lightning and electric fields, and inductive coupling (crosstalk) between fibers is generally greatly reduced or eliminated. If the fiber-optic cable does not include metal jacketing or the like, then the cable is also largely immune to corrosion due to galvanic coupling with other system components which it may contact.

[0057] Another aspect of the high power and data over fiber method includes power receiving and conversion. At the receiving end of the optical fiber in a high power and data over fiber method, there are devices called photodetectors or photovoltaic cells. These photodetectors convert the transmitted light signals back into electrical power. Specifically, the photodetectors capture the incoming light and convert it into an electrical current, which can then be used to power devices or stored in batteries for later use. Once the electrical power is obtained from the photodetectors, it can be further managed and distributed as needed. This may involve voltage regulation, current control, and potentially additional power conversion steps to match the requirements of the devices or systems being powered.

[0058] Referring now to Figures 5-7, in one or more embodiments of a high optical power and data over fiber system, some components in the system include a Power over Fiber (PoF) transmitter 510. a fiber cable assembly (e.g, a PoF optical cable) 550. a PoF receiver 560, and Power over Ethernet (PoE)-compatible powered device(s) 590. In some embodiments, the PoF transmitter 510 of the high optical power and data over fiber system includes an AC -DC power supply 512 that receives power from a main power input 514. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the high optical power and data over fiber system includes a system controller 516 that connects to a first laser driver 518and a second laser driver 520. The first laser driver 518 sends regulated current to a first fiber-coupled diode laser 522, and the second laser driver 520 sends regulated current to a second fiber-coupled diode laser 524. In other embodiments, fiber-coupled diode laser 522 may be replaced with another type of fiber-coupled laser. In another embodiment, the PoF transmitter 510 of the high optical power and data over fiber system includes only a single laser driver 518 and a single fiber-coupled diode laser 522. In still another embodiment, the PoF transmitter 510 of the high optical power and data over fiber system includes three or more laser drivers and three or more corresponding fiber-coupled diode lasers.

[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the high optical power and data over fiber system, the system controller 516 of the PoF transmitter 510 further connects to a heat rejection (or temperature control) sub-system 526 that controls the temperature of the system. Additionally, the system controller 516 is connected to a laser safety controller 528 and data transceiver 530. The laser safety controller 528 is further connected to the first laser driver 518 and the second laser driver 520 to control the parameters of the lasers. Moreover, the PoF transmitter 510 of the high optical power and data over fiber system includes an Ethernet fiber media converter (e.g., SFP module) 532 that connects to a wired Ethernet connection 534. Finally, in one or more embodiments, the first fiber-coupled diode laser 522, the second fiber-coupled diode laser 524, the laser safety controller 528, the data transceiver 530, and the Ethernet fiber media converter 532 each connect to optical fibers that transmit power and data through the fiber cable assembly 550.

[0060] Notably, in this high optical power and data over fiber system, both power and data may be transmitted significantly longer distances than 100 meters, which is not achievable using copper wires and PoE. The amount of power delivered may vary (in a predictable way) depending on the length of the cable (ty pically less than 3 (or 2 or 1) dB / km for a large-core multimode fiber, often a 105 pm core silica fiber). In other embodiments, there is a power fiber and a separate data fiber that travel through the fiber cable assembly 550. In still other embodiments, there is a single fiber that transmits power and data through the fiber cable assembly 550. Optical fibers have traditionally been solid core, but more recently, hollow core optical fibers have been developed. In some implementations, hollow core fibers may exhibit significantly lower loss over a wider wavelength range than solid fibers, but they may be more expensive and less available than traditional solid core fibers.

[0061] In another aspect of the high optical power and data over fiber system, the fiber cable assembly 550 travels through an optional fiber splice tray 552 on the way to the PoF receiver 560. Optional fiber splice tray 552 protects splices that may be required when connecting optical fibers to the system. Splice tray 552 also may allow storage of extra fiber length while observing fiber bend restrictions, without risking damage to loose lengths of extra fiber, which may be created, for example, by removing weatherproofing and / or strength members in order to create or modify splices. In some embodiments, the PoF receiver 560 includes a first receiver module 562 and a second receiver module 564 that are connected to the first fiber-coupled diode laser 522 and the second fiber-coupled diode laser 524 by optical fibers that runs through the fiber cable assembly 550. In one or more other embodiments, the PoF receiver 560 of the high optical power and data over fiber system includes only a single receiver module (to correspond with an embodiment that only has a single laser driver and a single fiber-coupled diode laser). In still other embodiments, the PoF receiver 560 of the high optical power and data over fiber system includes three or more receiver modules (to correspond with an embodiment that has three or more laser drivers and three or more fiber-coupled diode lasers).

[0062] In another embodiment of the high optical power and data over fiber system, one “receiver” contains multiple receiver modules, each containing a set of optics and PV array that is being fed by one or more fibers. Notably, in some embodiments, multiple lasers may be combined into one fiber at either end of the cable. Each individual laser may have a smaller-core fiber (e.g. 50pm), which is more tolerant of bending than a larger-core fiber (e.g. 105pm). Accordingly, rather than having a single large-core fiber, in some embodiments many smaller-core fibers are employed in the cable, which are then combined in the receiver before the light is split out to the PV array. There may also be cases where a single fiber is split into multiple fibers to split the light between receivers.

[0063] The first receiver module 562 and the second receiver module 564 may also be connected to a heat rejection sub-system 566 as shown in Figure 5. In other embodiments, each receiver module 562, 564 may have its own dedicated heat rejection sub-system. Additionally, the first receiver module 562 and the second receiver module 564 are also connected to a power conversion / regulation board 568, which is in turn connected to a receiver controller 572. Typically, there is one connection for power, and one connection for controls / signals in the high optical power and data over fiber system. However, in one embodiment, a single signal may be so significant that it has its own labelled connection. Additionally, in still another embodiment, both optical power andoptical data signals may be transmitted on the same optical fiber. Furthermore, the PoF receiver 560 includes a data transceiver 570 that connects to the data transceiver 530 in the PoF transmitter 510 via an optical fiber that transmits through the fiber cable assembly 550. The data transceiver 570 in the PoF receiver 560 also connects to the receiver controller 572. Moreover, the PoF receiver 560 includes an Ethernet fiber media converter (e.g., SFP module) 574 that connects to the Ethernet fiber media converter 532 in the PoF transmitter 510 via an optical fiber that transmits through the fiber cable assembly 550.

[0064] In some embodiments, power conversion / regulation board 568 may be connected to optional power storage subsystem 583. This subsystem functions to store some amount of power when not all of the power being delivered by receiver modules 562. 564 is needed for connected powered device(s) 590. If power has been stored in subsystem 583, then it may be drawn by power conversion / regulation board 568 for deliver}7to powered device(s) 590 when more power is required than is delivered from receiver modules 562, 564. Power storage subsystem 583 will ty pically include one or more power storage components such as a battery, a capacitor, or a supercapacitor, but may also encompass more exotic power storage components such as thermal energystorage systems (e.g., molten salt storage or phase-change material storage), fuel storage systems (e.g., a fuel cell that can produce fuel by electrolysis), or mechanical storage systems (e.g. , a flywheel, a spring, or a pumped-storage hy droelectric system).

[0065] In the embodiment of the high optical poyver and data over fiber system sho vn in Figure 5, the power conversion / regulation board 568 connects to the power connector 578 (e.g., barrel jack), and the Ethernet fiber media converter 574 connects to the data connector 576 (e.g, Ethernet Jack, such as RJ-45). In such an embodiment shown in Figure 5, the power connector 578 and the data connector 576 both connect to a powered device 590 (that has separate power and data interfaces) to provide both power and data connectivity. The po vered device 590 may be agnostic (l.e., unable to determine) to whether it is connecting yvith a PoF connector or a copper-based connector. In some embodiments, the receiver may "‘negotiate” power needs with the powered device 590 (e.g., voltage, current), and may adjust its output to match the power needs of powered device 590. The receiver may further communicate yvith the transmitter to adjust laser output poyver to avoid overproviding excess light (that may become yvaste heat at the receiver), or underproviding light so that pow er needs of poyvered device 590 are not met.

[0066] In the embodiment of the high optical poyver and data over fiber system shown in Figure 6, the power conversion / regulation board 568, the power connector 578,and the data connector 576 (from the embodiment shown in Figure 5) are all replaced by the power conversion / regulation board 580. The power conversion / regulation board 580 is connected to the first receiver module 562, the second receiver module 564, the receiver controller 572, the data transceiver 570, and the Ethernet fiber media converter 574. In such an embodiment, the power conversion / regulation board 580 provides both power and data connectivity to the powered device 590 (that has a single power and data interface), for example using a single cable analogous to cable 430 in Figure 4. Again, the powered device 590 may be agnostic (z.e., unable to determine) to whether it is connecting with a PoF connector or a conventional copper-based connector.

[0067] In still another embodiment of the high optical power and data over fiber system shown in Figure 7, the AC-DC power supply 512 (from the embodiment shown in Figure 5) is replaced by the power conversion / regulation board 582 and the Ethernet Jack 584. The power conversion / regulation board 582 is connected to the Ethernet Jack 584, which receives PoE input 586 that includes both power and data. Additionally, the power conversion / regulation board 582 connects to the system controller 516, the first laser driver 518, the second laser driver 520, the heat rejection (or temperature control) subsystem 526, and the Ethernet fiber media converter 532. In such an embodiment, the power conversion / regulation board 582 provides power to both the first laser driver 518 and the second laser driver 520, while also providing data to the Ethernet fiber media converter 532. In other embodiments, the power from the PoE input 586 (which includes both power and data) is not converted (into optical power) and reconverted (back into electrical power) as it is transmitted through the high optical power and data over fiber system, but rather the power simply passes through the high optical power and data over fiber system without conversion and reconversion. In such an embodiment, only the data from the PoE input 586 in converted into an optical data signal in the PoF transmitter 510 and back into digital data in the PoF receiver 560, while the pow er simply passes through the system. The PoF input 586 received at the Ethernet Jack 584 may be agnostic (i.e., unable to determine) to whether it is connecting with a PoF connection or a conventional copper-based connection.

[0068] In still other embodiments of the high optical power and data over fiber system, one or more PoF transmitters 510 may be connected to one or more PoF receivers 560 in such ways that the amount of power available for one or more powered devices 590 is increased or the redundancy and reliability of power available for one or more powered devices 590 is increased. For example, two PoF transmitters 510 may be located indifferent locations, and each connected to a powered device 590, which may draw data and power from either or both transmitters. Of course, this configuration may also involve co-located transmitters 510. Similarly, multiple PoF receivers 560 may be co-located or located at geographically dispersed locations, and may be connected to a single PoF transmitter 510 or to a plurality of PoF transmitters. These embodiments provide redundancy to help assure access to power and data for powered devices 590 that are connected to the system.

[0069] In the high optical power and data over fiber system, fiber optic Ethernet cables are utilized. Fiber optic cables rely on the principles of optical technology. Namely, inside of the fiber optic cables, there are one or more thin strands of glass or plastic fibers, which are referred to as optical fibers. These fibers are extremely thin, usually about the width of a human hair (e.g., 250 pm in diameter). Data is transmitted through the fibers of the fiber optic cable by sending pulses of light. These light signals travel through the core of the fiber, bouncing off the walls through a phenomenon called total internal reflection. This enables the light to travel long distances without significant loss of signal quality.

[0070] Fiber optic cables offer high bandwidth capabilities, which in turn enables the transmission of large amounts of data at very' high speeds. Additionally, fiber optic cables can provide Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps), 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps), or even higher speeds, depending on the specific type of fiber cable and the network equipment used. Notably, one of the technological improvements provided by fiber optic cables is their immunity7to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Unlike copper cables, fiber optic cables do not conduct electricity', making them immune to electrical noise and interference from nearby power cables, machinery’, or other sources. Fiber optic cables, with their focus on transmitting data using light signals, have different design considerations compared to cables intended for power delivery. The physical properties and structure of fiber optic cables are optimized for light transmission and minimizing signal loss, rather than carrying electrical power.

[0071] The embodiments described above have implemented fiber optics for PoF specifically in an Ethernet format. In other embodiments, fiber optics for PoF may be implemented in other formats, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), USB-C, Thunderbolt, and the like. For example, optical fibers may be used to provide optical power in a USB format instead of the traditional electrical power. In such an embodiment, the data transmission within the USB format would still be performed in its original manner asprescribed by the USB standard. In another embodiment, optical fibers may be used to provide optical power in a Thunderbolt format instead of the traditional electrical power. In such an embodiment, the data transmission within the Thunderbolt format would still be performed in its original manner as prescribed by the Thunderbolt standard. Future standards combining data and power transmission may also be emulated using the techniques described herein. As described above in connection with Figures 5-7, powered devices connected to any of these embodiments may also be agnostic (e.g., unable to determine) whether power is delivered via optical fibers or via copper wires.

[0072] Figure 8 shows still yet another embodiment, in which power and data are transmitted wirelessly according to a USB standard. In this embodiment, AC-DC power supply 512 (from the embodiment shown in Figure 7) is replaced by the power conversion / regulation board 592 and the USB Jack 588. The power conversion / regulation board 592 is connected to the USB Jack 588, which receives USB input 596 that includes both power and data. Additionally, the power conversion / regulation board 592 connects to the system controller 516, the first laser driver 518, the second laser driver 520. the heat rejection (or temperature control) sub-system 526, and the USB fiber media converter 532. In such an embodiment, the power conversion / regulation board 592 provides power to both the first laser driver 518 and the second laser driver 520, while also providing data to the USB fiber media converter 532. The USB input 596 received at the USB Jack 588 may be agnostic (i.e., unable to determine) to whether it is connecting with a PoF connection or a conventional copper-based connection. As shown in Fig. 8B, receiver power conversion / regulation board 580 is connected to a single USB Jack, which passes both power and data to powered device 590.

[0073] Fiber characteristics are another aspect of some embodiments of the high power and data over fiber system. In some embodiments, the optical fiber used for power transmission may have a larger core diameter than fibers used for data transmission. This larger core diameter may enable efficient transmission of light signals containing power. Data transmission fiber core sizes may range from 9 pm for single-mode data fiber to 50 or 62.5 pm for multimode data fiber. In some embodiments, these standard fibers may have 125 pm cladding and 250 pm coating diameters. To achieve high amounts of optical power in a fiber at high efficiencies, larger core sizes may be preferred. 105 pm core is a common size because it is the largest core that can be used in the same 125 / 250 pm cladding / coating size as the standard data fibers. Larger cores are common for shorter lengths, on the order of ones to tens of meters (e.g., in fiber laser pumps or process fibersfor industrial fiber applications). These larger core sizes may range from 150 to 1,000 pm cores, or even larger in some rare cases. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, fibers with specialized coatings or designs may be employed to enhance power transmission efficiency and minimize losses.

[0074] Because the effect of dispersion increases with the length of the fiber, a fiber transmission system is often characterized by its bandwidth-distance product, usually expressed in units of MHz- km. This value is a product of bandwidth and distance because there is a trade-off between the bandwidth of the signal and the distance over which it can be carried. Researchers at Bell Labs have reportedly reached a record bandwidth-distance product of over 100 petabit x kilometers per second using fiber-optic communication.

[0075] Figure 9 is a logic diagram showing a method for transmitting high power and data over optical fiber. Notably, the method for transmitting high power and data over optical fiber shown in Figure 9 may be implemented by the high power and data over optical fiber system shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the components of the high power and data over optical fiber system include a PoF transmitter 510, a fiber cable assembly 550, a PoF receiver 560, and PoF-compatible powered device 590. As shown in Figure 9, at operation 810, the PoF transmitter 510 is used to convert electrical pow er provided by a pow er source into a optical power on a first optical fiber in the fiber cable assembly 550. At operation 820, the PoF transmitter 510 is used to encode digital data onto an optical signal on a second optical fiber in the fiber cable assembly 550. At operation 830, the enhanced capacity PoF optical cable 550 is used to transmit the optical power and optical signal through the first and second optical fibers in the fiber cable assembly 550. At operation 840, the PoF receiver 560 is used to receive the optical power and optical signal transmitted over the fiber cable assembly 550. At operation 850, the PoF receiver 560 is used to convert the optical power into electrical power. At operation 860, the PoF receiver 560 is used to decode the optical signal to obtain digital data. At operation 870, the PoF receiver 560 is used to provide the electrical pow er and digital data to a PoE compatible device 590.Example 1

[0076] A first embodiment of the Pow er over Ethernet (PoE) system described above functions over a distance of 500 meters and supplies up to 10 Watts of power, resulting in a power-distance product of 5 W-km.

[0077] The example system includes a PoE transmitter 510 substantially as shown in Fig. 6A, connected by 500 meters of fiber-optic cable to a PoE receiver 560 substantially as shown in Fig. 6B. The fiber-optic cable 550 includes one 105 pm optical power fiber, one or two single-mode optical data fibers, and optionally one multi-mode safety fiber. It also includes at least one fiber splice tray 552, and it may also include a second fiber splice tray 552 near the receiver, so that fiber cable can be installed and replaced in the field. Single laser driver 518 is a SF6015 high power laser diode driver, running at up to 10 V and up to 15 A. Laser 522 is an RPK976-AH-30.00W-10522-FF fiber coupled laser diode, available from RPMC Lasers, Inc., which outputs up to 30 W of optical power at 976 nm. This system is designed for underwater use, so heat rejection system 526 relies on conduction cooling through the enclosure to the surrounding water, and a system for monitoring the laser temperature to avoid overheating. This system is configured to be connected to a DC power input 514 and a standard Ethernet jack 534.

[0078] Receiver 560 includes two receiver modules 562, 564, which each include a single 1 cm2multi-junction PV cell. In this underwater system, heat rejection sub-system 566 simply thermally couples PV cells in receiver modules 562, 564 through the enclosure to the surrounding water. Power conversion / regulation board 580 includes a standard RJ- 45 Ethernet jack into which powered device 590 may be connected.Example 2

[0079] A second embodiment of the system described above functions over a similar distance of 500 meters and supplies up to 300 Watts of power using a USB format, resulting in a power-distance product of 150 W-km.

[0080] The example system includes a PoE transmitter 510 substantially as shown in Fig. 8A, connected by 500 meters of fiber-optic cable to a PoE receiver 560 substantially as shown in Fig. 8B. The fiber-optic cable 550 includes at least five 105 pm optical power fibers. It also includes at least one fiber splice tray 552. and it may also include a second fiber splice tray 552 near the receiver, so that fiber cable can be installed and replaced in the field. Laser drivers 518, 520 are LDD-1301 drivers, available from Laser Diode Control, that drive fiber-coupled diode lasers 522, 524. The laser modules 522, 524 in this example are nLight 976 nm el 8 lasers, which each output up to 220 W of optical power at 976 nm. Heat rejection system 526 includes uses a small vaporcompression chiller such as the Aspen Systems LCM-1400, connected to a cold plate. The laser modules are attached to the cold plate. The laser drivers may also be attached to thecold plate or may be conduction-cooled to the transmitter case. This system is configured to be connected to standard USB input 596.

[0081] Receiver 560 includes five receiver modules 562, 564, which each include 4 multi-junction PV cells designed for high intensity 976 nm light conversion. All of the PV modules are thermally and mechanically coupled to a shared heatsink, which includes Alpha LT90-40W extruded aluminum heat sink fins for dissipating the heat into the ambient air. and a Same Sky CFM-40BF fan that forces more air through the fins. The fan draws its operating power from the receiver and may be enabled, disabled, or speed- controlled based on the receiver temperature. Power conversion / regulation board 580 includes a standard USB jack into which powered USB device 590 may be connected.Example 3

[0082] A third embodiment of the PoE system described above functions over a distance of 3,000 meters and supplies up to 25 Watts of power, resulting in a powerdistance product of 75 W'km.

[0083] The example system includes a PoE transmitter 510 substantially as shown in Fig. 6A (except for the integrated fiber laser subsystem described below), connected by 3,000 meters of fiber-optic cable to a PoE receiver 560 substantially as shown in Fig. 6B. The fiber-optic cable 550 includes at least one 105 pm optical power fiber, which is spliced to the fiber optic output of the fiber laser subsystem. It also includes at least one fiber splice tray 552, and it may also include a second fiber splice tray 552 near the receiver, so that fiber cable can be installed and replaced in the field. The system includes a commercial fiber laser subsystem, the Ytterbium Fiber Laser, IPG Photonics Model YLR-200-MM-AC-Y14, which includes laser drivers 518, 520, heat rejection system 526, and fiber laser modules 522, 524. Laser modules 522, 524 output up to 200 W of optical power at 1,070 nm. This system is configured to be connected to an AC power input 514 and a standard Ethernet jack 534.

[0084] Receiver 560 includes two receiver modules 562. 564, which each include a multi-junction PV cell designed for high intensity 1,070 nm light conversion. Heat rejection sub-system 566 includes a heat-pipe, fin and fan cooling assembly similar to RAPID-100-2 by Wakefield-Vette. Power conversion / regulation board 580 includes a standard Ethernet jack into which powered device 590 may be connected.Example 4

[0085] A fourth embodiment of the PoE system described above functions over a distance of 750 meters and supplies up to 1,500 Watts of power, resulting in a powerdistance product of 1,125 WAm.

[0086] The example system includes a PoE transmitter 510 substantially as shown in Fig. 6A, connected by 750 meters of fiber-optic cable to a PoE receiver 560 substantially as shown in Fig. 6B. The fiber-optic cable 550 includes at least 18 105 pm optical power fibers. It also includes at least one fiber splice tray 552, and may also include a second fiber splice tray 552 near the receiver, so that fiber cable can be installed and replaced in the field. Multiple laser drivers 518, 520 similar to the LDD-1301 drivers, available from Laser Diode Control, drive 18 fiber-coupled diode lasers 522, 524 such as the nLight 976 nm el 8, which output up to 212 W of optical power each at 976 nm. Heat rejection system 526 includes multiple direct refrigerant cooling modules, such as those developed by Aspen Systems. With direct refrigerant cooling, the refrigerant is directly passed through a cold plate where it extracts heat from the laser diode and associated power electronics. This system is configured to be connected to a DC power input 514 and a standard Ethernet jack 534.

[0087] Receiver 560 includes at least three receiver modules 562, 564, which each include multiple multi-junction PV cells designed for high intensity 976 nm light conversion. Heat rejection sub-system 566 includes embedded heat pipe air-cooled heat sinks, such as those developed by Celsia Inc. and Mersen. Power conversion / regulation board 580 includes a standard Ethernet jack into which powered device 590 may be connected.Comparisons with Standards

[0088] Table 1 below shows comparisons of Examples 1-4 w ith the standards for IEEE 802.3bt-2018type 3 and type 4 , USB 3.0 (SPR), USB 3.1 (EPR 5), and USB 3. 1 (EPR 7). It will be seen that the largest possible power-distance product that complies with these standards is 7. 1 W’km (for IEEE 2018, PoE++ or PoE), with a bandwidth of 10 Gbps. In contrast, the systems of Examples 1-4 have power-distance products of 5, 150, 75, and 1,125, respectively. These numbers illustrate that the systems described herein can dramatically increase the power-distance product of power+data systems while also providing a higher-bandwidth system.Table 1

[0089] Figure 10 shows a system diagram that describes an example implementation of a computing system(s), such as the system controller 516 and the receiver controller 572, for implementing embodiments described herein. The functionality' described herein for a high power and data over fiber system, can be implemented either on dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform, e.g., a cloud infrastructure. In some embodiments, such functionality may be completely softwarebased and designed as cloud-native, meaning that they may be agnostic to the underlying cloud infrastructure, allowing higher deployment agility and flexibility.

[0090] In particular, example host computer system(s) 901 is shown in Figure 10. For example, such computer system(s) 901 may represent those in various data centers and cell sites shown and / or described herein that host the functions, components, microservices and other aspects described herein to implement a high pow er and data over fiber system. In some embodiments, one or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to implement the functionality described herein. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented in softw are, hardware, firmware, or in some combination thereof. Host computer system(s) 901 may include any, some, all of memory 902, one or more processors 914, I / O interfaces 918, other computer-readable media 920, and network connections 922. Notably, the one or more processors 914 may include only a single processor, multiple processors that each execute individual operations, multiple processors that collectively execute individual operations, multiple processors that collectively execute multiple operations, or combinations thereof.

[0091] Memory 902 may include one or more various types of non-volatile and / or volatile storage technologies. Examples of memory 902 may include, but are not limitedto. flash memory', hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various ty pes of random-access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like, or any combination thereof. Memory 902 may be utilized to store information, including computer-readable instructions that are utilized by one or more processors (e.g., CPU) 914 to perform actions, including those of embodiments described herein.

[0092] Memory 902 may have stored thereon control module(s) 904. The control module(s) 904 may be configured to implement and / or perform some or all of the functions of the systems, components and modules described herein for a high power and data over fiber system. Memory 902 may also store other programs and data 910. which may include rules, databases, application programming interfaces (APIs), software platforms, cloud computing service software, network management software, network orchestrator software, network functions (NF), Al or ML programs or models to perform the functionality' described herein, user interfaces, operating systems, other network management functions, other NFs, etc.

[0093] Network connections 922 are configured to communicate with other computing devices to facilitate the functionality described herein. In various embodiments, the network connections 922 include transmitters and receivers (not illustrated), cellular telecommunication network equipment and interfaces, and / or other computer network equipment and interfaces to send and receive data as described herein, such as to send and receive instructions, commands, and data to implement the processes described herein. I / O interfaces 918 may include a video interface, other data input or output interfaces, or the like. Other computer-readable media 920 may include other types of stationary’ or removable computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or the like.

[0094] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A Power over Fiber (PoF) optical power and data delivery system, comprising: a PoF transmitter coupled to an electrical power supply, the PoF transmitter configured to convert electrical power to optical power, encode data into light signals, and supply the optical power and light signals through an optical output of the PoF transmitter to an optical input of a PoF optical cable; a PoF receiver having an optical cable input, the PoF receiver configured to: receive the optical power and light signals from an optical output of the optical cable; decode the light signals into digital data; and convert the optical power to electrical power; and a PoF optical cable operatively coupled between the optical output of the PoF transmitter and the optical cable input of the PoF receiver, the PoF optical cable including one or more optical fibers configured to cany' the optical power and light signals supplied by the PoF transmitter, wherein the PoF receiver is further configured to interface with an input of a powered device and supply both the electrical power and the digital data to the powered device.

2. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein a length of the PoF optical cable is greater than 100 meters.

3. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein a length of the PoF optical cable is greater than 500 meters.

4. The PoF optical power and data delivery' sy stem according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power delivered from the PoF receiver is greater than 25 watts.

5. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power delivered from the PoF receiver is greater than 100 watts.

6. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power delivered from the PoF receiver is greater than 300 watts.

7. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the system has a power-distance product of at least 5 WAm.

8. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the system has a power-distance product of at least 50 W'km.

9. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the system has a power-distance product of at least 300 W'km.

10. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein fibers contained in the PoF optical cable are all optical fibers.

11. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the PoF transmitter includes one or more laser drivers and one or more corresponding fiber-coupled laser diodes configured to generate and send the light signals.

12. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the PoF receiver includes one or more receiver modules configured to receive the light signals.

13. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the PoF receiver includes a power conversion regulator board configured to convert the optical power into electrical power.

14. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising a second PoF transmitter, the second PoF transmitter configured to convert electrical power to optical power, encode data into light signals, and supply the optical power and the light signals through an optical output of the second PoF transmitter to an optical input of a second PoF optical cable.

15. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 14, wherein the second PoF transmitter is located remotely from the PoF transmitter.

16. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 14, further comprising a failover circuit configured to respond to a determination that the powered device is not receiving sufficient power from the PoF cable by supplying power to the powered device from the second PoF optical cable.

17. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising a second PoF receiver configured to receive optical power and light signals from a second optical output of a second optical cable, decode the light signals into digital data, convert the optical power to electrical power, and deliver the electrical power and the digital data to a second powered device.

18. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 17, further comprising a failover circuit configured to respond to a determination that the powered device is not receiving sufficient power from the PoF cable by supplying electrical power to the powered device from the second PoF optical cable.

19. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 18, wherein the failover circuit is further configured to discontinue supplying electrical power to the second powered device upon supplying power to the powered device.

20. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising a second PoF receiver configured to receive optical power and light signals from a second optical output of a second optical cable, decode the light signals into digital data, convert the optical power to electrical power, and deliver the electrical power and the digital data to the powered device.

21. A Power over Fiber (PoF) optical power and data delivery system, comprising: a PoF optical transmitter coupled to a power source, the optical transmitter configured to: convert electrical power provided by the power source into optical power to be carried by a PoF optical cable; and encode digital data onto an optical signal to be carried by the PoF optical cable according to a standard selected from the group consisting of Ethernet, USB, USB-C, and Thunderbolt; a PoF optical receiver configured to: receive the optical power and the optical signal transmitted over the PoF optical cable; convert the received optical power into electrical power; decode the received optical signal according to the selected standard to obtain digital data; and interface with a combination power and data enabled powered device to transmit the electrical power and the digital data to the combination power and data enabled powered device; and a PoF optical cable assembly operatively coupled between the PoF optical transmitter and the PoF optical receiver.

22. The power and data delivery' system according to claim 21, wherein the optical power and the optical signal are carried by two different fibers of the PoF optical cable.

23. The power and data delivery system according to claim 21, wherein the optical power and the optical signal are carried by the same fiber of the PoF optical cable.

24. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 21, wherein a length of the enhanced capacity cable is greater than 100 meters.

25. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 21, wherein a length of the enhanced capacity cable is greater than 500 meters.

26. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 21, wherein the power delivered through the enhanced capacity cable is greater than 25 watts.

27. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 21, wherein the power delivered through the enhanced capacity cable is greater than 100 watts.

28. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 21, wherein the power delivered through the enhanced capacity cable is greater than 300 watts.

29. The PoF optical power and data delivery' system according to claim 21, wherein the PoF transmitter includes one or more laser drivers and one or more corresponding lasers configured to generate and send light signals.

30. The PoF optical power and data delivery system according to claim 21, wherein the PoF receiver includes one or more receiver modules configured to receive the light signals.

31. The PoF optical power and data deltyery system according to claim 21, wherein the PoF receiver includes a power conversion regulator board configured to convert the optical power into electrical power.

32. A method, comprising: converting, using a Power over Fiber (PoF) transmitter, electrical power provided by a power source into optical power on a first optical fiber in an PoF optical cable assembly; encoding, using the PoF transmitter, digital data onto an optical signal on a second optical fiber in the PoF optical cable assembly;transmiting, using the PoF optical cable assembly, the optical signal carrying digital data on the second optical fiber, and the optical power on the first optical fiber through the PoF optical cable assembly: receiving, using a PoF receiver, the optical power and the optical signal transmitted over the PoF optical cable assembly; converting, using the PoF receiver, the optical power into electrical power; decoding, using the PoF receiver, the optical signal to obtain digital data; and providing, using the PoF receiver, the digital data and electrical power to a Power over Ethernet compatible device.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein a length of the PoF optical cable is greater than 100 meters.

34. The method according to claim 32, wherein a length of the PoF optical cable is greater than 500 meters.

35. The method according to claim 32, wherein the electrical power delivered through the PoF optical cable is greater than 25 wats.

36. The method according to claim 32, wherein the electrical power delivered through the PoF optical cable is greater than 100 wats.

37. The method according to claim 32, wherein the electrical power delivered through the PoF optical cable is greater than 300 wats.

38. The method according to claim 32, wherein the PoF transmiter includes one or more laser drivers and one or more corresponding fiber-coupled laser diodes configured to generate and send light signals.

39. The method according to claim 32, wherein the PoF receiver includes one or more receiver modules configured to receive the optical power and the optical signal.

40. The method according to claim 32, further comprising: detecting that the Power over Ethernet compatible device is in need of additional power; converting, using a second PoF transmiter, electrical power provided by a second power source into optical power on a third optical fiber in a second PoF optical cable assembly;encoding, using the second PoF transmitter, digital data onto an optical signal on a fourth optical fiber in the second PoF optical cable assembly; transmitting, using the second PoF optical cable assembly, the optical signal carrying digital data on the fourth optical fiber, and the optical power on the third optical fiber through the PoF optical cable assembly; receiving, using a second PoF receiver, the optical power and the optical signal transmitted over the second PoF optical cable assembly; converting, using the second PoF receiver, the optical power received from the second PoF optical cable assembly into additional electrical power; decoding, using the second PoF receiver, the optical signal received from the second PoF optical cable assembly to obtain additional digital data; and providing, using the second PoF receiver, the additional digital data and the additional electrical power to the Power over Ethernet compatible device.

41. The method according to claim 40, further comprising: before detecting that the Power over Ethernet compatible device is in need of additional power, providing, using the second PoF receiver, digital data and electrical power to a second Power over Ethernet compatible device.

42. The method according to claim 41 , further comprising: discontinuing providing digital data and electrical power to the second Power over Ethernet compatible device upon providing the additional digital data and the additional electrical power to the Power over Ethernet compatible device.

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