Active Optical Connector Using Audio Port for High-Speed Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an active optical connector that can integrate both audio and data transfer functions on mobile electronic devices, particularly using the audio port, to address manufacturability and assembly challenges of high-speed connections.
Innovation Solution
The active optical connector employs a plug and jack configuration with optical transceiver modules, including optical fibers, a light source, photo-detector, and a controller chip, allowing for simultaneous high-speed data transfer through fiber-optic means while maintaining compatibility with conventional audio ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an audio port is used for both audio and data transfer functions, then the versatility and usage maximization of the connector is improved, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty for high-speed connections deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional modules: an audio jack for audio signals and an optical transceiver module for high-speed data transfer. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and assembled independently with appropriate precision requirements, while together they provide multiple functions through a single connector housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transceiver module is nested within the audio jack housing structure. The optical module includes its own receptacle that receives a plug with optical fibers, while the audio jack provides the outer housing and additional audio contacts. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and provides both audio and optical functionality through the same connector interface.
2Speed
If optical fibers are integrated into the audio port structure, then high-speed data transfer capability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines audio jack and optical transceiver functionalities into a single integrated connector assembly. The optical fibers are routed through the audio jack housing, and the optical transceiver module is housed within the same structure, allowing both audio and optical data transfer through one connector interface rather than requiring separate connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions: it accepts audio plugs for analog/digital audio transmission and simultaneously accepts optical plugs for high-speed data transfer. The single housing structure supports both audio contacts and optical fiber receptacles, making the connector universal for different types of signal transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables high-speed connectivity while ensuring compatibility with conventional audio ports, enhancing the functionality of mobile devices by integrating optical data transfer without compromising existing audio functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light source provided on the optical transceiver module for emitting light towards the first front end of the first optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a photo-detector provided on the optical transceiver module for receiving light from the second front end of the second optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
first and second optical fibers extending through the central through-bore for receiving and emitting optical signals respectively therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An active optical connector using an audio port includes a plug insertable into a jack having an optical transceiver module. A conductor is mounted on the plug. Optical fibers extend through a central bore of the plug and have front ends held in a fiber ferrule. The jack has a terminal for contacting the conductor on the plug. The optical transceiver module has a receptacle for receiving the fiber ferrule. A light source emits light to an optical fiber, and a photo-detector receives light from another optical fiber. A controller chip has a converting circuit configured to convert electrical signals into optical signal and optical signals into electrical signals.