Active cable and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of communications. Provided are an active cable and a communication system. The active cable comprises an electrical module and a cable, wherein the electrical module comprises a signal conversion circuit, a device-side interface and a cable-side interface; the signal conversion circuit is separately connected to the device-side interface and the cable-side interface; the cable comprises cores; each core is surrounded by an anti-interference layer; each core is connected to the cable-side interface; the device-side interface is used for connecting to a communication device, and sending to the signal conversion circuit a differential signal received from the communication device; the signal conversion circuit is used for converting the differential signal into a single-ended signal, and sending the single-ended signal to each core by means of the cable-side interface; and each core is used for transmitting the single-ended signal. Single-ended signals are transmitted on a cable of an active cable, thereby reducing the number of cores used; and the cores of the cable can be used as independent channels to transmit the single-ended signals, thereby reducing the degree of crosstalk between single-end signals transmitted on different cores, and even preventing crosstalk.

Description

Active cables and communication systems

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410178270.5, filed on February 8, 2024, entitled “Active Cable and Communication System,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an active cable and a communication system. Background Art

[0003] In the communications field, when routers, switches, and computer equipment are used for networking, electrical modules have lower cost and power consumption than optical modules. Therefore, it is hoped that electrical modules will be used as much as possible for interconnection between or within devices to achieve large-scale networking.

[0004] For example, an active cable includes a cable and electrical modules connected to both ends of the cable. The electrical module at one end of the active cable is plugged into one device, and the electrical module at the other end is plugged into another device. The two devices then achieve signal interconnection through the active cable.

[0005] Since the signal transmitted in the device is a differential signal, the signal transmitted on the active cable is also a differential signal. The differential signal can be understood as a signal transmitted using two battery cores (such as copper cores). Therefore, the active cable includes multiple pairs of battery cores, and each pair of battery cores transmits a differential signal.

[0006] A pair of battery cells in a cable transmits one signal. To transmit multiple signals, multiple pairs of battery cells are needed, resulting in a large number of battery cells used. However, if a pair of battery cells in a cable is used to transmit two independent signals (i.e. single-ended signals), the crosstalk between the two single-ended signals will be more serious. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides an active cable and a communication system. The active cable transmits single-ended signals on the cable, reducing the number of battery cells used. Moreover, each battery cell of the cable can be used as an independent channel to transmit single-ended signals, which can reduce the degree of crosstalk between single-ended signals transmitted on different battery cells and even avoid crosstalk.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an active cable, comprising an electrical module and a cable;

[0009] The electrical module includes a signal conversion circuit, a device side interface and a cable side interface, wherein the signal conversion circuit is connected to the device side interface and the cable side interface respectively;

[0010] The cable includes a battery core, the battery core is coated with an anti-interference layer, and the battery core is connected to the cable side interface;

[0011] The device-side interface is used to connect to a communication device and send the differential signal received from the communication device to the signal conversion circuit. The signal conversion circuit is used to convert the differential signal into a single-ended signal and send it to the battery cell through the cable-side interface. The battery cell is used to transmit the single-ended signal.

[0012] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the electrical module of the active cable can convert the differential signal received from the communication device into a single-ended signal, so that the cable transmits a single-ended signal rather than a differential signal. Among them, only one battery cell is required to transmit a single-ended signal, but two battery cells are required to transmit a differential signal. Therefore, compared with the active cable transmitting differential signals, the cable transmitting a single-ended signal of the active cable can reduce the number of battery cells used, thereby reducing the weight and thickness of the cable.

[0013] Because the cable's cells are covered with an anti-interference layer, the anti-interference layer can prevent the single-ended signal transmitted in the covered cell from crosstalking to other cells, and prevent the single-ended signal transmitted in other cells from crosstalking to the covered cell. Therefore, when a pair of cells in the cable are used to transmit two single-ended signals, the crosstalk between the two single-ended signals is relatively weak, or even no crosstalk occurs.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the number of the battery cores is one or more, and the anti-interference layer includes a dielectric layer and a shielding layer;

[0015] Each battery core is covered with the dielectric layer, and the shielding layer is covered outside the dielectric layer.

[0016] In a possible implementation, each battery cell is sequentially covered with the dielectric layer and the shielding layer from the inside to the outside along the radial direction of the battery cell.

[0017] In the solutions disclosed herein, a single cable comprising a single cell is a coaxial cable. Because the cable contains only one cell and is coated with a dielectric layer and a shielding layer, crosstalk does not occur during transmission of single-ended signals within the cell. In solutions where a single cable comprises multiple cells, each cell is shielded by a grounded shielding layer. Therefore, single-ended signals transmitted within each cell do not crosstalk with other cells.

[0018] In one possible implementation, there are multiple battery cells, each of which is covered with the dielectric layer, and the shielding layer is covered outside all the dielectric layers; the dielectric constant at any different position between the outer surface of each battery cell and the inner surface of the shielding layer is consistent.

[0019] Among them, whether crosstalk occurs in signals transmitted in different battery cells is related to whether the impedance of the battery cells is close and whether the transmission rate of the signals in the battery cells is close. For example, if the impedance of each battery cell is close and the transmission rate of the signal in each battery cell is also close, then crosstalk is less likely to occur in the signals transmitted in different battery cells.

[0020] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the dielectric layer affects the impedance of the battery cell and the transmission rate of the signal in the battery cell. For example, if the dielectric constant at any different position outside the battery cell is consistent, then the signal transmission rate in each battery cell will be relatively close. When the dielectric constant at any different position is relatively close, after reasonable structural size design (such as the same size of different battery cells, the same spacing between different battery cells and the shielding layer, etc.), the impedance of each battery cell can be made relatively close. In this case, the single-ended signal transmitted in each battery cell is not prone to crosstalk.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the material of the dielectric layer between the outer surface of each battery cell and the inner surface of the shielding layer is the same.

[0022] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, since the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer is related to its material, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer covering each battery cell can be made consistent by covering different battery cells with a dielectric layer of the same material.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the dielectric layer includes a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer, and a relative difference between dielectric constants of the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer is less than or equal to 10%;

[0024] Each battery core is covered with the first dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer is filled outside all the first dielectric layers and between the shielding layers.

[0025] In the solution disclosed herein, because the relative difference in dielectric constant between the first and second dielectric layers is within 10%, the dielectric constants of the first and second dielectric layers can be considered close, and the dielectric constants at any position between each cell and the shielding layer can also be considered consistent. In this case, during short-distance, low-speed signal transmission, crosstalk between single-ended signals transmitted in different cells is unlikely to occur, or the degree of crosstalk is relatively weak and can be ignored.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the signal conversion circuit is connected to the cable-side interface via at least one signal line, and each signal line is used to transmit a single-ended signal;

[0027] Each signal line is provided with grounded shielding wires along both sides of the line width, and the plane where the shielding wires are located is coplanar with the plane where the signal line is located.

[0028] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, each signal line is used to transmit one single-ended signal. Since grounded shielding wires are arranged on both sides of the signal line, the single-ended signal transmitted on the signal line cannot crosstalk to other signal lines. Therefore, the degree of crosstalk in the transmission of multiple single-ended signals between the signal conversion circuit and the cable side interface is relatively weak.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the cable-side interface includes at least one signal terminal and a plurality of shielding terminals, each signal terminal is located between two shielding terminals, and a plane on which each signal terminal is located is coplanar with a plane on which the shielding terminals on both sides are located;

[0030] Each signal terminal is connected to the signal conversion circuit and is also connected to one of the battery cells. The shielding terminals on both sides of each signal terminal are grounded.

[0031] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, a single signal terminal is used to transmit a single-ended signal. Since there is a grounded shielding terminal between two adjacent signal terminals, the single-ended signal transmitted on a certain signal terminal will not crosstalk to other signal terminals. Therefore, there will be no signal crosstalk problem between the multiple channels of the cable side interface.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the signal conversion circuit is used to convert m differential signals into one single-ended signal, and send it to a battery cell for transmission through a channel of the cable side interface, where m is a positive integer.

[0033] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, in the solution where m=1, that is, one differential signal is converted into one single-ended signal, which can reduce the number of battery cells by half compared with the cable that transmits differential signals. In the solution where m>1, that is, multiple differential signals are converted into one single-ended signal, which can further reduce the number of battery cells compared with the cable that transmits differential signals.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the signal conversion circuit is used to convert one differential signal into n single-ended signals, and send the n single-ended signals to n battery cells for transmission through n channels of the cable side interface, wherein the single-ended signals correspond one-to-one to the channels, and the channels correspond one-to-one to the battery cells.

[0035] In the solution disclosed herein, such as the solution where n>1, one differential signal can be converted into n single-ended signals. Since the transmission rate of one differential signal is equal to the total transmission rate of the n single-ended signals, the transmission rate of each of the n single-ended signals becomes 1 / n of the original. Therefore, the single-ended signal is transmitted at a low speed in the cable (compared to the transmission rate before entering the active cable). The greater the transmission rate of the signal on the cable, the longer the transmission distance, and the greater the link loss. Therefore, by reducing the transmission rate of the signal in the cable, the signal can be transmitted farther in the cable under the condition of the same link loss while maintaining the driving capability of the electrical module. This allows the cable to be pulled farther.

[0036] Therefore, in the solution where the signal conversion circuit converts one differential signal into multiple single-ended signals, the transmission rate of the single-ended signal on the cable can be reduced, thereby allowing the cable to be pulled farther while maintaining the same driving capability of the electrical module and the same link loss, or reducing the link loss of the single-ended signal on the cable while maintaining the same transmission distance.

[0037] In a second aspect, an active cable is provided, the active cable comprising an electrical module and a cable;

[0038] The electrical module includes a signal conversion circuit, a device side interface and a cable side interface, wherein the signal conversion circuit is connected to the device side interface and the cable side interface respectively;

[0039] The cable includes a battery core, the battery core is coated with an anti-interference layer, and the battery core is connected to the cable side interface;

[0040] The battery cell is used to transmit a single-ended signal and send the single-ended signal to the signal conversion circuit through the cable side interface. The signal conversion circuit is used to convert the single-ended signal into a differential signal and send it to the communication device connected to the device side interface through the device side interface.

[0041] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the active cable described in the second aspect and the active cable described in the first aspect can be the same active cable, except that the electrical module in the first aspect is located at one end of the active cable, and the electrical module in the second aspect is located at the other end of the active cable, one serves as the transmitting side and the other serves as the receiving side, and the cable is connected between the two electrical modules.

[0042] In the solution shown in the present disclosure, the active cable described in the second aspect may not be the same active cable as the active cable described in the first aspect.

[0043] In the solutions disclosed herein, regardless of whether the active cable described in the second aspect is the same as the active cable described in the first aspect, the electrical module in the first aspect and the electrical module in the second aspect are identical in structure and function, and the cable in the first aspect and the cable in the second aspect are also identical in structure and function. Therefore, the features of the active cable described in the second aspect can refer to those described in the first aspect.

[0044] It should be noted that the electrical modules at both ends of the same active cable have the same functions and include the same components, but their component layout, circuit layout, or internal circuit implementation are not completely identical, and adjustments will be made during design based on actual conditions. For example, the first electrical module at the first end of the active cable and the second electrical module at the second end generally have different arrangements of the solder pads on the cable-side interface. For example, the transmitting solder pads of the first electrical module are positioned opposite the receiving solder pads of the second electrical module, so that the first end of the battery cell is soldered to the transmitting solder pad of the first electrical module, and the second end of the battery cell is soldered to the receiving solder pad of the second electrical module.

[0045] According to a third aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a first communication device, a second communication device, and the active cable according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device are connected via the active cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of two communication devices connected via an active cable according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the basic structure of an active cable provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an active cable provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the connection between one of the electrical modules of the active cable in FIG3 and the cable;

[0050] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an active cable provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which converts two differential signals into one single-ended signal;

[0051] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an active cable provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which converts one differential signal into two single-ended signals;

[0052] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing a signal conversion circuit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure integrated on a chip of an electrical module, wherein the chip first performs compensation processing on a differential signal and then converts the differential signal into a single-ended signal;

[0053] FIG8 is a schematic diagram showing a signal conversion circuit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure integrated on a chip of an electrical module, wherein the chip first converts a single-ended signal into a differential signal and then performs compensation processing on the differential signal;

[0054] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a signal conversion circuit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure arranged on a circuit board of an electrical module;

[0055] FIG10 is another structural diagram of a signal conversion circuit provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure arranged on a circuit board of an electrical module;

[0056] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a circuit between a signal conversion circuit and a cable-side interface provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a connection between a cable-side interface and a single-core cable provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a connection between a cable-side interface and a multi-core cable provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a single-core cable provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cable including a plurality of battery cells, each of which is covered with an independent shielding layer, provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cable including a plurality of battery cells, each of which is covered with the same shielding layer, provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cable provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a plurality of battery cells, each of which is covered with the same shielding layer.

[0063] Explanation of Reference Numerals: 1. Electrical module; 1A. First electrical module; 1B. Second electrical module. 10. Circuit board; 11. Signal conversion circuit; 12. Device-side interface; 13. Cable-side interface; 14. Signal line; 15. Shielding line; 16. Chip; 131. Signal terminal; 132. Shielding terminal. 2. Cable; 21. Cell; 21A. First cell; 21B. Second cell; 22. Anti-interference layer; 221. Dielectric layer; 222. Shielding layer. 100. First communications device; 200. Second communications device; 300. Active cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] This embodiment relates to an active electrical cable (AEC). Since active cables are typically made of copper, they may also be referred to as active copper cables (ACC). The active cable in this embodiment may be made of copper or other metals, such as aluminum. This embodiment does not specifically limit the material of the active cable.

[0066] The active cable is used to interconnect two devices, and is also used to interconnect two components within a device. For ease of description, this embodiment uses an active cable connecting two devices as an example.

[0067] Active cables can be used in the communications field to connect two communications devices to achieve networking between communications devices. As the scale of networking expands, the number of communications devices included in the network architecture also increases. Then, the number of active cables used also increases. However, when more active cables are bundled together, they are heavy and may damage the equipment. When a large number of active cables are bundled together, they take up a lot of space and easily block the ventilation ducts of the equipment.

[0068] In addition, in large-scale networking, there are a large number of communication devices. Therefore, the physical distance between some communication devices will be relatively far. When interconnecting, the active cable needs to be pulled farther. The farther the active cable is pulled, the greater the link loss.

[0069] It can be seen that when using active cables for large-scale networking, there is a demand for reducing the weight, thinning and extending the cables.

[0070] The active cable provided in this embodiment can reduce cable weight and thickness in some scenarios (such as those with a large number of interconnected devices), and can achieve longer cable reach in other scenarios (such as those with interconnected devices far apart). In other scenarios, both cable thinning and cable reach can be achieved by changing the cable gauge.

[0071] The active cable shown in this embodiment will be introduced below. First, the application scenarios of the active cable will be introduced, and then the characteristics of the active cable will be introduced.

[0072] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which an active cable is used to interconnect two communication devices. Referring to FIG1 , one end of an active cable 300 is connected to a first communication device 100 , and the other end is connected to a second communication device 200 .

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, the active cable 300 includes a cable 2 and two electrical modules 1. Among the two electrical modules 1, one electrical module is located at the first end of the cable 2 and can be recorded as the first electrical module 1A, and the other electrical module is located at the second end of the cable 2 and can be recorded as the second electrical module 1B.

[0074] Continuing with reference to FIG1 , both the first communication device 100 and the second communication device 200 have electrical interfaces on their panels. Thus, the first electrical module 1A is inserted into the electrical interface of the first communication device 100 to interconnect the first end of the active cable with the first communication device, and the second electrical module 1B is inserted into the electrical interface of the second communication device 200 to interconnect the second end of the active cable with the second communication device.

[0075] In this way, the first communication device 100 can send data to the second communication device 200 through the active cable 300 , and can also receive data sent by the second communication device 200 through the active cable 300 .

[0076] The above is an introduction to the scenario of two communication devices using active cables to achieve signal transmission. The following will introduce the basic characteristics of active cables.

[0077] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an active cable. Referring to Figure 2, the active cable includes a cable 2 and two electrical modules 1 connected at both ends of the cable 2. These two electrical modules 1 have the same function and include the same components. For ease of description, they are referred to as a first electrical module 1A and a second electrical module 1B, respectively. However, the first electrical module 1A and the second electrical module 1B may differ slightly in component arrangement, circuit layout, or internal circuit implementation. For example, the pad arrangement of the cable-side interface of the first and second electrical modules may differ. The transmitting pad of the first electrical module is positioned opposite the receiving pad of the second electrical module, and the receiving pad of the first electrical module is positioned opposite the transmitting pad of the second electrical module. In this way, a cell is connected between the transmitting pad of the first electrical module and the receiving pad of the second electrical module, and a cell is connected between the receiving pad of the first electrical module and the transmitting pad of the second electrical module. For another example, the implementation of the signal conversion circuit within the first electrical module and the signal conversion circuit within the second electrical module may also differ slightly.

[0078] The electrical module 1 is pluggable and connectable to the communication device and is therefore also referred to as a pluggable electrical module. Based on the package type of the electrical module, the electrical module can be a quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) module or an octal small form factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) module. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of the electrical module.

[0079] Continuing with FIG2 , the electrical module 1 structurally includes a circuit board 10, a chip 16, a device-side interface 12, and a cable-side interface 13 (not shown in FIG2 , but see FIG3 ). The chip 16, the device-side interface 12, and the cable-side interface 13 are all arranged on the surface of the circuit board 10, and the device-side interface 12 and the cable-side interface 13 are both electrically connected to the chip 16.

[0080] Among them, the chip 16 can be called an active chip, which is used to process the signal to enhance the strength and stability of the signal during transmission.

[0081] In one example, chip 16 can specifically be a re-timer chip that performs data equalization and / or digital signal processing on the signal to restore the original signal, and then drives the signal out after retiming. In some schemes, the re-timing chip also pre-equalizes the transmitted signal to compensate for the link insertion loss in advance.

[0082] In another example, the chip 16 may be a linear equalizer chip that performs linear amplification and / or equalization processing on the received signal to compensate for link insertion loss. The specific type of the chip 16 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0083] The device-side interface 12 is used to connect to a communication device to receive signals from the communication device and to send signals to the communication device. In one example, the device-side interface 12 can be a gold finger connector disposed on the circuit board 10. In another example, an active cable is used within a device to connect two devices. In this case, the device-side interface 12 can be a solder pad that is soldered to the connected device. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of the device-side interface 12; a gold finger connector can be used as an example in the accompanying drawings.

[0084] The cable-side interface 13 is used for connecting to the cable 2 to receive signals sent by the cable 2 and to send signals to the cable 2 .

[0085] In one example, as shown in FIG3 , the cable-side interface 13 can be a soldering pad that is welded to one end of the cable 2. In another example, the cable-side interface 13 can also be a connector that is pluggable with the cable 2. For example, the end of the cable 2 also has a connector, and the connector of the cable 2 is pluggable with the connector of the electrical module 1. In another example, the cable-side interface 13 can also be a wiring terminal. After the end of the cable 2 is stripped, the battery core is exposed, and the battery core extends into the cable-side interface 13. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of the cable-side interface 13. For ease of description, the cable-side interface 13 is shown as a soldering pad in the accompanying drawings, and the battery core of the cable 2 is welded to the cable-side interface 13 as an example.

[0086] In one example, differential signals are typically transmitted in communications equipment. A differential signal is a signal transmitted over two wires. The signals on these two wires have equal amplitudes and opposite phases, transmitting the voltage difference between the two wires. Therefore, the signal transmitted from the communications equipment to the active cable is also a differential signal. Therefore, the cable must include at least one pair of cells, each of which transmits one differential signal. For an eight-input, eight-output electrical module, the cable must include 16 pairs of cells, making it relatively heavy and thick.

[0087] To reduce cable weight and thickness, active cables can transmit single-ended signals. A single-ended signal is transmitted using a single wire, measuring the voltage difference between that wire and ground. Compared to cables that transmit differential signals, these cables only need to contain at least one cell, each carrying a single-ended signal. For an eight-input, eight-output module, the cable only requires 16 cells, reducing both weight and diameter.

[0088] To enable the cable to transmit single-ended signals, Figures 3 and 4 illustrate schematic diagrams of an active cable. Figure 4 illustrates the connection between one of the electrical modules and the cable in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, electrical module 1 also includes a signal conversion circuit 11, which is configured to convert differential signals into single-ended signals and vice versa. Continuing with Figure 3, both the device-side interface 12 and the cable-side interface 13 are connected to the signal conversion circuit 11.

[0089] In one example, the signal conversion circuit 11 may include a first signal conversion circuit and a second signal conversion circuit, as shown in Figures 7 and 8 . The first signal conversion circuit is configured to convert a differential signal into a single-ended signal, and the second signal conversion circuit is configured to convert a single-ended signal into a differential signal. The first signal conversion circuit and the second signal conversion circuit may be the same circuit or different circuits.

[0090] In this way, the device-side interface 12 receives a differential signal from the communication device and sends it to the signal conversion circuit 11. The signal conversion circuit 11 converts the differential signal into a single-ended signal and sends it to the cable-side interface 13. The signal is then sent to the cell 21 of the cable 2 for transmission. The cable-side interface 13 receives a single-ended signal from the cable 2 and sends it to the signal conversion circuit 11. The signal conversion circuit 11 converts the single-ended signal into a differential signal and sends it to the device-side interface 12. The signal is then sent to the communication device. This allows differential signals to be transmitted between the two communication devices.

[0091] It can be seen that since the active cable can realize the conversion between differential signals and single-ended signals, the cable 2 can transmit single-ended signals instead of differential signals. In this way, only one battery cell 21 is needed to transmit a single-ended signal, thereby reducing the number of battery cells 21 included in the cable 2, thereby reducing the weight and thickness of the cable.

[0092] In order to further reduce the weight and thickness of the cable, as shown in Figure 5, a schematic diagram of the connection between an electrical module of an active cable and the cable is shown. Referring to Figure 5, the signal conversion circuit 11 can convert the received m differential signals into one single-ended signal and send it to a battery cell 21 for transmission through a channel of the cable side interface 13, where m is a positive integer and m=2 is used as an example in Figure 5.

[0093] For example, the signal conversion circuit 11 can convert two differential signals into one single-ended signal. Then, 2m battery cells are required to transmit the differential signal, while only m / 2 battery cells are required to transmit the single-ended signal.

[0094] Therefore, the signal conversion circuit 11 converts multiple differential signals into one single-ended signal, which can further reduce the weight and thickness of the cable.

[0095] In one example, after receiving a single-ended signal, the signal conversion circuit 11 can also convert the single-ended signal into m differential signals and send them to the communication device through the m channels of the device-side interface 12. In this way, the m differential signals enter the active cable for transmission and are ultimately transmitted from the active cable as m differential signals.

[0096] It should be noted that, because a differential signal is transmitted by two batteries (denoted as differential batteries), because the coupling between the two differential batteries is better, when there is noise interference in the outside world, the noise is almost coupled into the two differential batteries at the same time, and the receiving end is only concerned with the difference between the two differential batteries, so the common-mode noise of the outside world can be offset to the greatest extent. Therefore, the anti-interference property (such as anti-common-mode interference property) of the differential signal is stronger than the anti-interference property (such as anti-common-mode interference property) of the single-ended signal. Therefore, the above-mentioned merging and splitting process can be carried out in the differential signal stage, so that the impact of noise on the single-ended signal can be reduced. For example, at the transmitting side, the signal conversion circuit 11 can first merge the multi-channel differential signals received into a differential signal, and then convert the differential signal into a single-ended signal and send it to the cable. At the receiving side, the signal conversion circuit 11 can first convert the single-ended signal received into a differential signal, and then convert the differential signal into multi-channel differential signals.

[0097] Among them, the signal conversion circuit 11 converts multiple differential signals into one single-ended signal, which can be used in scenarios with a large number of interconnected devices and a large number of cables, and can reduce the weight and thickness of the cables.

[0098] In a scenario where the interconnected devices are relatively far apart, in order to make the cable stretch further, as shown in Figure 6, a schematic diagram of the connection between an electrical module of an active cable and the cable is shown. Referring to Figure 6, the signal conversion circuit 11 can convert one differential signal into n single-ended signals, and send the n single-ended signals to n battery cells 21 for transmission through n channels of the cable-side interface 13, wherein one single-ended signal is transmitted in one channel of the cable-side interface 13, and one single-ended signal is transmitted in one battery cell 21. Figure 6 takes n=2 as an example.

[0099] In one example, since the transmission rate of one differential signal is equal to the transmission rate of n single-ended signals, the transmission rate of each of the n single-ended signals becomes 1 / n of the original. Therefore, the single-ended signal is transmitted at a low speed in the cable (compared with the transmission rate before entering the active cable). Since the greater the transmission rate of the signal on the cable, the longer the transmission distance, the greater the link loss. Therefore, by reducing the transmission rate of the signal in the cable, under the condition of the driving capability of the electrical module remaining unchanged and the same link loss, the signal can be transmitted farther in the cable, thereby allowing the cable to be pulled farther.

[0100] Therefore, in the solution where the signal conversion circuit 11 converts one differential signal into multiple single-ended signals, the transmission rate of the single-ended signal on the cable can be reduced, thereby allowing the cable to be pulled farther while maintaining the same driving capability of the electrical module and the same link loss, or reducing the link loss of the single-ended signal on the cable while maintaining the same transmission distance.

[0101] In one example, the signal conversion circuit 11 converts one differential signal into two single-ended signals. Compared with the cable that transmits differential signals, the number of battery cells will not change. Therefore, under the condition that the driving capability of the electric module remains unchanged and the weight and diameter of the cable do not change, the cable can be pulled farther under the same link loss, or the link loss of the single-ended signal on the cable can be reduced under the same transmission distance.

[0102] In one example, after receiving a single-ended signal, the signal conversion circuit 11 can also convert n single-ended signals into a differential signal, and send it to the communication device through a channel of the device-side interface 12. In this way, a differential signal enters the active cable for transmission and is ultimately transmitted out of the active cable as a differential signal.

[0103] As mentioned above, because differential signals have stronger anti-interference capabilities than single-ended signals, the aforementioned merging and splitting processes can also be performed at the differential signal stage. For example, on the transmitting side, the signal conversion circuit 11 can first convert a received differential signal into multiple differential signals, and then convert them into multiple single-ended signals before sending them to the cable. On the receiving side, the signal conversion circuit 11 can first convert the received multiple single-ended signals into multiple differential signals, and then merge them into one differential signal.

[0104] Based on the above, if active cables are used in scenarios with high-density communication equipment, where the number of communication equipment is large and the number of cables required is also large, and the weight and diameter of the cables after bundling have a relatively large impact on the communication equipment, the first type of active cables can be used for device interconnection. The first type of active cables can convert multiple differential signals received from the communication equipment into one single-ended signal for transmission in the cable, and can also convert one single-ended signal into multiple differential signals for transmission to another communication device.

[0105] If the active cable is used in a scenario where the devices are relatively far apart and the cable needs to be pulled over a long distance, then the second type of active cable can be used. The second type of active cable can convert a differential signal received from a communication device into multiple single-ended signals for transmission in the cable, and can also convert multiple single-ended signals into a differential signal for transmission to another communication device.

[0106] The above is an introduction to the solution of active cables to achieve cable weight reduction, cable thickness reduction and cable extension. The following will introduce the characteristics of the electrical module and cable of the active cable respectively.

[0107] In one example, the signal conversion circuit 11 can be integrated into the chip 16. As described above, the chip 16 also performs signal compensation processing to enhance signal strength and stability. Therefore, after receiving the differential signal, the chip 16 can first perform compensation processing on the differential signal and convert the differential signal into a single-ended signal before sending it to the cable-side interface 13. In this way, the signal compensation process is performed on the differential signal. The differential signal has a stronger anti-interference ability than the single-ended signal, thereby reducing the insertion loss of the single-ended signal.

[0108] For example, taking chip 16 as an example of a retiming chip, as shown in Figure 7, it is a schematic diagram of signal compensation processing and signal conversion processing performed by chip 16. The arrows in Figure 7 represent the transmission direction of the signal. Referring to Figure 7, after chip 16 receives the differential signal, it equalizes the differential signal through the equalizer, converts the equalized analog signal into a digital signal through the analog-to-digital converter, performs digital signal processing on the converted digital signal, uses the clock recovery module to recover and retime the signal, and then converts the processed differential signal into a single-ended signal through the first signal conversion circuit 111, and then outputs the single-ended signal to the outside through the first output interface.

[0109] In some examples, after the original signal is recovered, the differential signal is pre-equalized before it is converted into a single-ended signal to compensate for link insertion loss in advance. That is, pre-equalization is performed between the clock recovery module and the first signal conversion circuit 111 in Figure 7.

[0110] Similarly, after receiving a single-ended signal, chip 16 can first convert the single-ended signal into a differential signal, then perform compensation processing on the differential signal, and then transmit it to the communication device. In this way, the signal processing process is also performed on the differential signal, which can reduce the impact of noise on the single-ended signal.

[0111] For example, still taking chip 16 as an example of a retiming chip, as shown in FIG8 , it is a schematic diagram of the signal compensation processing and signal conversion processing of chip 16. The arrows in FIG8 also represent the transmission direction of the signal. Referring to FIG8 , after chip 16 receives a single-ended signal, it first uses the second signal conversion circuit 112 to convert the single-ended signal into a differential signal, and then uses the equalizer to perform equalization processing on the differential signal. Through the analog-to-digital converter, the analog signal after equalization is converted into a digital signal, the converted digital signal is digitally processed, and the clock recovery module is used to recover and retime the signal, and then the processed differential signal is output to the outside through the second output interface.

[0112] In some examples, after the original signal is recovered, the differential signal is pre-equalized before being sent to compensate for link insertion loss in advance, that is, pre-equalization is performed between the clock recovery module and the second output interface in Figure 8.

[0113] It should be noted that the first signal conversion circuit 111 in FIG. 7 and the second signal conversion circuit 112 in FIG. 8 are both signal conversion circuits, except that the first signal conversion circuit 111 in FIG. 7 is used to convert a differential signal into a single-ended signal, while the second signal conversion circuit 112 in FIG. 8 is used to convert a single-ended signal into a differential signal. The first signal conversion circuit 111 and the second signal conversion circuit 112 can be the same circuit or different circuits, and this embodiment does not limit this. This embodiment also does not limit the signal transmission according to the arrows shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 . FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 only illustrate that the conversion of differential signals to single-ended signals is performed on the transmitting side of chip 16, and the conversion of single-ended signals to differential signals is performed on the receiving side of chip 16.

[0114] Similarly, in the example where chip 16 is a balancing chip, similar to the above, after chip 16 receives the differential signal, it first linearly amplifies and / or balances the differential signal, and then converts the processed differential signal into a single-ended signal and outputs it to the outside. After chip 16 receives the single-ended signal, it first converts the single-ended signal into a differential signal, and then linearly amplifies and / or balances the differential signal, and then outputs the processed differential signal.

[0115] In one example, in order to make the converted differential signal a standard differential signal, that is, the two signals have equal amplitudes and opposite phases, the chip 16 can also be integrated with a mismatch circuit to adjust the differential signal converted from the single-ended signal to ensure that the two signals of the differential signal are equal-amplitude and opposite-phase signals.

[0116] In another example, the signal conversion circuit 11 can also be a circuit independent of the chip 16 and arranged on the circuit board 10. For example, FIG9 shows a schematic diagram of the signal conversion circuit 11 being independent of the chip 16 and arranged on the circuit board 10. Referring to FIG9 , the signal conversion circuit 11 is connected between the chip 16 and the cable-side interface 13. Thus, after the electrical module receives a differential signal, it first performs compensation processing on the differential signal through the chip 16. The processed differential signal is then converted into a single-ended signal through the signal conversion circuit 11 and output to the cable 2. After the electrical module receives a single-ended signal, it first converts it into a differential signal through the signal conversion circuit 11. The differential signal is then compensated for by the chip 16. The compensation processing of the chip 16 can be found in the above description and will not be repeated here. In this way, all signal processing is performed at the differential signal stage, which can reduce the impact of noise on the single-ended signal.

[0117] In an example, the signal conversion circuit 11 shown in FIG9 may specifically be a balun circuit. The balun is a balanced-unbalanced impedance converter that can convert a differential signal into a single-ended signal, and convert a single-ended signal into a differential signal.

[0118] In another example, the signal conversion circuit 11 may be a component disposed on the circuit board 10, and is used to consume one of the differential signals. The signal conversion circuit 11 may be a circuit formed by resistors, or a circuit formed by resistors and capacitors, and is used to terminate one of the differential signals.

[0119] For example, as shown in FIG10 , the single-channel output terminal of chip 16 for connection to cable-side interface 13 includes two output terminals (one positive output terminal and the other negative output terminal). Cable-side interface 13 includes multiple signal terminals and shielding terminals. Therefore, the positive output terminal of chip 16 is connected to the signal terminal of cable-side interface 13, and the negative output terminal is connected to the shielding terminal. Signal conversion circuit 11 is arranged in the link between the negative output terminal and the shielding terminal. The reason why the negative output terminal of the chip is connected to the shielding terminal of cable-side interface 13 is because both the negative output terminal and the shielding terminal need to be grounded. Therefore, the two can be connected together, with only one of them grounded.

[0120] Continuing to refer to Figure 10, when the chip 16 sends a signal to the cable 2, one of the differential signals can be terminated through the signal conversion circuit 11. When the cable 2 sends a signal to the chip 16, the amplitude of the signal entering the positive input end of the chip 16 is A, and the amplitude of the signal entering the negative input end of the chip 16 is 0. After entering the chip 16, it can be converted into a differential signal of equal amplitude and opposite phase through the elimination (mismatch) circuit of the chip 16.

[0121] The above is an introduction to the arrangement of the signal conversion circuit 11 on the circuit board 10, which is independent of the chip 16. The advantage of this solution is that the chip of the active cable can be reused. That is, the arrangement of the signal conversion circuit 11 on the circuit board 10 is the same as the chip of the active cable that transmits differential signals.

[0122] In this embodiment, whether the signal conversion circuit 11 belongs to the chip 16 or is independent of the chip 16 is not specifically limited.

[0123] Regardless of whether the signal conversion circuit 11 is integrated on the chip 16 or is independent of the chip 16 and arranged on the circuit board 10, since the signal conversion circuit 11 and the cable-side interface 13 transmit single-ended signals, the circuit between the signal conversion circuit 11 and the cable-side interface 13 is arranged according to the circuit layout for transmitting single-ended signals.

[0124] Accordingly, FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure between the signal conversion circuit 11 and the cable-side interface 13, wherein the signal conversion circuit 11 can be a circuit integrated on a chip 16 or a circuit arranged on a circuit board 10. Referring to FIG11 , the signal conversion circuit 11 and the cable-side interface 13 are connected via at least one signal line 14, each signal line 14 being used to transmit a single-ended signal. Continuing with FIG11 , each signal line 14 is provided with grounded shielding wires 15 on both sides along the line width, and the plane where the shielding wires 15 lie is coplanar with the plane where the signal line 14 lies.

[0125] In this way, because shielding wires 15 are arranged on both sides of each signal line 14, each signal line 14 can be used as an independent channel to transmit a single-ended signal. The single-ended signal transmitted on each signal line 14 will not crosstalk to another signal line 14 due to the shielding effect of the shielding wire 15, thereby avoiding the problem of single-ended signal crosstalk on two adjacent signal lines 14.

[0126] The plane where the signal line 14 lies is coplanar with the plane where the shielding lines 15 lie on either side, meaning that the signal line 14 and the shielding lines 15 are located on the same layer of the circuit. For example, if the signal line 14 and the shielding lines 15 are both arranged on the circuit board 10, then the three are located on the same layer of the circuit board 10. For example, if the signal line 14 is located on the top surface of the circuit board 10, then the shielding lines 15 are also located on the top surface of the circuit board 10. The closer the length of the signal line 14 is to the length of the shielding lines 15, the better the shielding effect of the shielding lines 15 on the signal line 14.

[0127] In order to further avoid crosstalk between different single-ended signals, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the structure of the cable side interface 13 is schematically shown. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the cable side interface 13 and the cable 2 including a single battery cell 21, and Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the cable side interface 13 and the cable 2 including multiple battery cells 21.

[0128] Referring to Figures 12 and 13 , the cable-side interface 13 includes at least one signal terminal 131 and multiple shielding terminals 132. Each signal terminal 131 is located between two shielding terminals 132, and the plane on which each signal terminal 131 lies is coplanar with the planes on either side of the shielding terminals 132. Continuing with Figures 12 and 13 , each signal terminal 131 is connected to the signal conversion circuit 11 and also to a battery cell 21. The shielding terminals 132 on either side of each signal terminal 131 are grounded.

[0129] In this way, since shielding terminals 132 are arranged on both sides of each signal terminal 131 and the shielding terminals 132 are grounded, each signal terminal 131 can be used as an independent channel to transmit a single-ended signal. The single-ended signal transmitted on each signal terminal 131 will not have the problem of mutual crosstalk due to the shielding effect of the shielding terminals 132 on both sides.

[0130] It should be noted that, as shown in FIG12 , since both the shielded wire 15 and the shielded terminal 132 need to be grounded, the shielded wire 15 and the shielded terminal 132 that are relatively close together can be connected. After the two are connected, one of them can be grounded, or the two can have no direct connection relationship and be grounded separately. Similarly, since both the shielded terminal 132 and the shielding layer 222 of the cable 2 need to be grounded, the shielded terminal 132 and the shielding layer 222 of the cable 2 that are relatively close together can be connected. After the two are connected, one of them can be grounded, or the two can have no direct connection relationship and be grounded separately.

[0131] In addition, to ensure good anti-interference performance during signal transmission, the electrical module is designed to avoid some interference noise as much as possible, such as power supply noise, simultaneous switch noise (SSN) noise, and the impact of multiple channels working simultaneously on circuit performance.

[0132] The above is an introduction to the solution of the electrical module of the active cable to realize the conversion between differential signals and single-ended signals, as well as some characteristics of the electrical module for better transmission of single-ended signals. The following will introduce the characteristics of the cable that transmits single-ended signals.

[0133] As shown in Figures 14 to 17 are schematic cross-sectional views of the cable 2. Referring to Figures 14 to 17, the cable 2 for transmitting single-ended signals includes a battery cell 21, wherein the battery cell 21, for example, may be a copper core for transmitting single-ended signals, and one battery cell 21 is used to transmit one single-ended signal. Referring to Figures 14 to 17, a cable 2 may include one or more battery cells 21, wherein Figures 15 to 17 all use an example of a cable including two battery cells 21. For ease of introduction, one battery cell is recorded as the first battery cell 21A and the other battery cell is recorded as the second battery cell 21B.

[0134] In order to avoid crosstalk between single-ended signals transmitted in different battery cells 21, accordingly, referring to Figures 14 to 17, the cable 2 also includes an anti-interference layer 22, which is used to avoid crosstalk between single-ended signals transmitted in the coated battery cells and other battery cells, and to avoid crosstalk between single-ended signals transmitted in other battery cells and the coated battery cells.

[0135] The anti-interference layer 22 includes a dielectric layer 221 and a shielding layer 222 . The dielectric layer 221 is made of an insulating material, such as plastic. The shielding layer 222 is used for grounding and may be made of copper.

[0136] In one example, referring to FIG. 14 to FIG. 17 , regardless of whether the number of battery cells 21 is one or more, each battery cell 21 is covered with a dielectric layer 221 , and a shielding layer 222 is covered outside the dielectric layer 221 , and the shielding layer 222 is used for grounding.

[0137] In one example, in order to prevent or weaken the crosstalk of single-ended signals transmitted on the multiple battery cells 21, one implementation method may be, with reference to Figures 14 and 15, that each battery cell 21 is sequentially covered with a dielectric layer 221 and a shielding layer 222 in the radial direction from the inside to the outside.

[0138] In this way, as shown in reference figure 15, although a single cable 2 includes multiple battery cells 21, since each battery cell 21 is shielded by a grounded shielding layer 222, the single-ended signal transmitted in each battery cell 21 will not crosstalk with the transmission in other battery cells 21. For example, as shown in reference figure 15, the single-ended signal transmitted in the first battery cell 21A will be led to the ground by the shielding layer 222 outside the first battery cell 21A when flowing to the second battery cell 21B. Therefore, the single-ended signals transmitted in the first battery cell 21A and the second battery cell 21B do not crosstalk with each other.

[0139] It can be seen that in the solutions shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 , the shielding layer 222 is passed between the battery cells 21 to achieve independent transmission of single-ended signals.

[0140] It should be noted that, with reference to FIG15 , in the scheme where each cell 21 is covered by a shielding layer 222, the dielectric constants of the dielectric layers 221 covering each cell 21 may be the same or different. Continuing with FIG15 , each shielding layer 222 is bounded by a binding layer. The dielectric constant of the binding layer may be the same as or different from the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer within each shielding layer. This is not a concern, as each cell 21 is shielded by a shielding layer 222.

[0141] In another example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, a single cable 2 includes multiple battery cells 21. In order to prevent or weaken the crosstalk of single-ended signals transmitted on these multiple battery cells 21, another implementation method may be that each battery cell 21 is coated with a dielectric layer 221, and the shielding layer 222 is coated on the outside of all the dielectric layers 221, and the dielectric constant at any different position between the outer surface of each battery cell 21 and the inner surface of the shielding layer 222 is consistent.

[0142] Among them, whether crosstalk occurs in the signals transmitted in different battery cells 21 is related to whether the impedance of the battery cells 21 is close and whether the transmission rate of the signals in the battery cells 21 is close. For example, if the impedance of each battery cell 21 is close and the transmission rate of the signal in each battery cell 21 is also close, then crosstalk is not likely to occur in the signals transmitted in different battery cells 21.

[0143] The dielectric layer affects the impedance of the cell and the signal transmission rate within the cell. For example, if the dielectric constant at any location outside the cell 21 is consistent, the signal transmission rate within each cell 21 will be relatively close. When the dielectric constants at any location are relatively close, reasonable structural dimension design (such as ensuring that different cells have the same size, and that the spacing between different cells and the shielding layer is the same) can make the impedance of each cell 21 relatively close. In this case, crosstalk is less likely to occur in single-ended signals transmitted within each cell 21.

[0144] In one example, to achieve a consistent dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 221 wrapped around different battery cells 21, one approach may be to use the same material for the dielectric layer 221 wrapped around each battery cell 21, since the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 221 depends on its material. The dielectric layer 221 wrapped around each battery cell 21 can be made of the same material by filling the shielding layer 222 and surrounding each battery cell 21 with a dielectric layer 221 of the same material, as shown in FIG16 .

[0145] In another example, another way to achieve a consistent dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 221 wrapped around different battery cells 21 may be to use different materials for the dielectric layer 221 wrapped around different battery cells 21, and the relative difference in dielectric constant is less than or equal to 10%. For example, as shown in FIG17 , the dielectric layer 221 includes a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer, each battery cell is wrapped around the first dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer is filled between all the first dielectric layers and the shielding layer, wherein the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer are made of different materials, but the relative difference in dielectric constant between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer is within 10%.

[0146] In one example, the dielectric constants of the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer differ by less than 10%, and it can be considered that the dielectric constants of the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer are relatively close, and further, it can be considered that the dielectric constants at any different positions between each battery cell 21 and the shielding layer 222 are consistent. Then, the crosstalk of single-ended signals transmitted in different battery cells is relatively weak and can be ignored. For example, in the scenario of short-distance and low-speed transmission of single-ended signals, the single-ended signals transmitted in different battery cells 21 are not prone to crosstalk, or the degree of crosstalk is relatively weak and can be ignored.

[0147] In one example, as shown in reference figure 17, in a scheme where the shielding layer 222 is wrapped around all dielectric layers 221, the shielding layer 222 is used to avoid crosstalk between single-ended signals transmitted in different cables. In a single cable, the dielectric constant at any different position between the outer surface of each battery cell and the inner surface of the shielding layer is consistent, which is used to reduce the degree of crosstalk between single-ended signals transmitted in different battery cells in the same cable.

[0148] It can be seen that in the solutions shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 , the dielectric constants of the respective cores 21 in the same cable 2 are consistent through the dielectric layer 221 , thereby realizing independent transmission of single-ended signals.

[0149] It should be pointed out that Figures 2 to 6, 9, 10, 12, and 15 to 17 are all examples of a cable 2 including one battery cell 21, and Figure 13 is an example of a cable 2 including two battery cells 21, but it is not limited to the battery cells 21 of the cable 2 including one or two. The cable 2 can also include more battery cells 21.

[0150] In addition, the cross-sectional shapes of the cables in the drawings are all exemplified as circular or elliptical, but this is not a limitation. The cross-sectional shape of the cable can also be a flat ribbon, a runway, etc.

[0151] In the disclosed embodiment, the electrical module of the active cable can convert the differential signal received from the communication device into a single-ended signal, so that the cable transmits a single-ended signal instead of a differential signal. Here, only one battery cell is needed to transmit one single-ended signal, while two battery cells are needed to transmit one differential signal. Therefore, compared with the active cable transmitting differential signals, the cable transmitting a single-ended signal of the active cable can reduce the number of battery cells used, thereby reducing the weight and thickness of the cable.

[0152] Because the cable's cells are covered with an anti-interference layer, the anti-interference layer can prevent the single-ended signal transmitted in the covered cell from crosstalking to other cells, and prevent the single-ended signal transmitted in other cells from crosstalking to the covered cell. Therefore, when a pair of cells in the cable are used to transmit two single-ended signals, the crosstalk between the two single-ended signals is relatively weak, or even no crosstalk occurs.

[0153] In addition, the electrical module of the active cable can convert one differential signal into multiple single-ended signals when converting differential signals into single-ended signals. The transmission rate of the converted single-ended signal is lower than the transmission rate of one differential signal, and the rate of the signal transmitted on the battery cell is reduced. Therefore, under the condition of unchanged driving capability of the electrical module and the same link loss, the cable can be pulled farther.

[0154] Therefore, in large-scale networking scenarios, if there is a demand for reducing cable weight and thickness, an active cable can be used to convert m differential signals into one single-ended signal, where m is a positive integer. If there is a demand for extending the cable, an active cable can be used to convert one differential signal into n single-ended signals, where n is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0155] This embodiment also provides a communication system, as shown in FIG1 , which is a schematic diagram of the communication system. Referring to FIG1 , the communication system includes a first communication device 100 , a second communication device 200 , and the active cable 300 described above, wherein the first communication device 100 and the second communication device 200 are connected via the active cable 300 .

[0156] For example, the device-side interface of the first electrical module at the first end of the active cable 300 is inserted into the electrical interface of the first communication device 100, and the device-side interface of the second electrical module at the second end is inserted into the electrical interface of the second communication device 200. The cable of the active cable 300 is connected between the first electrical module and the second electrical module, and then the first communication device 100 and the second communication device 200 are interconnected through the active cable 300.

[0157] In an application, for example, when a first communication device 100 transmits a signal to a second communication device 200, the first communication device 100 sends a differential signal to the first electrical module. After receiving the differential signal, the first electrical module first processes the differential signal, such as retiming or equalization, then converts the processed differential signal into a single-ended signal and drives it to the cable. The single-ended signal is then transmitted via the cable to the second electrical module. After receiving the single-ended signal, the second electrical module first converts the single-ended signal into a differential signal, then processes the differential signal, such as retiming or equalization, before driving the processed differential signal to the second communication device 200.

Claims

1. An active cable, characterized in that: The active cable comprises an electrical module (1) and a cable (2); The electrical module (1) comprises a signal conversion circuit (11), a device-side interface (12) and a cable-side interface (13), wherein the signal conversion circuit (11) is connected to the device-side interface (12) and the cable-side interface (13) respectively; The cable (2) comprises a battery core (21), the battery core (21) is coated with an anti-interference layer (22), and the battery core (21) is connected to the cable side interface (13); The device-side interface (12) is used to connect to a communication device and send a differential signal received from the communication device to the signal conversion circuit (11). The signal conversion circuit (11) is used to convert the differential signal into a single-ended signal and send the signal to the battery cell (21) through the cable-side interface (13). The battery cell (21) is used to transmit the single-ended signal.

2. The active cable according to claim 1, wherein The number of the battery cores (21) is one or more, and the anti-interference layer (22) includes a dielectric layer (221) and a shielding layer (222); Each battery core (21) is covered with the dielectric layer (221), and the shielding layer (222) is covered outside the dielectric layer (221).

3. The active cable according to claim 2, characterized in that Each battery core (21) is sequentially covered with the dielectric layer (221) and the shielding layer (222) along the radial direction of the battery core (21) from the inside to the outside.

4. The active cable according to claim 2, wherein: There are a plurality of battery cores (21), each battery core (21) is covered with the dielectric layer (221), and the shielding layer (222) is covered outside all the dielectric layers (221); The dielectric constant at any different position between the outer surface of each battery core (21) and the inner surface of the shielding layer (222) is consistent.

5. The active cable according to claim 4, characterized in that The dielectric layer (221) between the outer surface of each battery core (21) and the inner surface of the shielding layer (222) is made of the same material.

6. The active cable according to claim 4, characterized in that The dielectric layer (221) comprises a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer, and a relative difference between the dielectric constants of the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer is less than or equal to 10%; Each battery core (21) is covered with the first dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer is filled outside all the first dielectric layers and between the shielding layer (222).

7. The active cable according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The signal conversion circuit (11) is connected to the cable side interface (13) via at least one signal line (14), and each signal line (14) is used to transmit a single-ended signal; Grounded shielding wires (15) are arranged on both sides of the width of each signal wire (14), and the plane where the shielding wires (15) are located is coplanar with the plane where the signal wires (14) are located.

8. The active cable according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The cable-side interface (13) comprises at least one signal terminal (131) and a plurality of shielding terminals (132), each signal terminal (131) being located between two shielding terminals (132), and the plane where each signal terminal (131) is located is coplanar with the planes where the shielding terminals (132) on both sides are located; Each signal terminal (131) is connected to the signal conversion circuit (11) and is also connected to one of the battery cells (21), and the shielding terminals (132) on both sides of each signal terminal (131) are grounded.

9. The active cable according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The signal conversion circuit (11) is used to convert m differential signals into one single-ended signal, and send the converted signal to a battery cell (21) for transmission through a channel of the cable-side interface (13), where m is a positive integer.

10. The active cable according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The signal conversion circuit (11) is used to convert one differential signal into n single-ended signals, and send the n single-ended signals to n battery cells (21) for transmission through n channels of the cable-side interface (13), wherein the single-ended signals correspond one-to-one to the channels, and the channels correspond one-to-one to the battery cells (21).

11. An active cable, characterized in that: The active cable comprises an electrical module (1) and a cable (2); The electrical module (1) comprises a signal conversion circuit (11), a device-side interface (12) and a cable-side interface (13), wherein the signal conversion circuit (11) is connected to the device-side interface (12) and the cable-side interface (13) respectively; The cable (2) comprises a battery core (21), the battery core (21) is coated with an anti-interference layer (22), and the battery core (21) is connected to the cable side interface (13); The battery cell (21) is used to transmit a single-ended signal, and sends the single-ended signal to the signal conversion circuit (11) through the cable side interface (13); the signal conversion circuit (11) is used to convert the single-ended signal into a differential signal, and sends the differential signal to the communication device connected to the device side interface (12) through the device side interface (12).

12. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises a first communication device (100), a second communication device (200) and an active cable (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first communication device (100) and the second communication device (200) are connected via the active cable (300).

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