Active Optical Cable Electrical Adaptor for 10 Gbps Port Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed communication solutions, particularly at 10 Gbps, face challenges with copper-based solutions due to bulkiness, high power consumption, and limited port density, while optical solutions are costly and complex, making it difficult to achieve efficient and cost-effective high-bandwidth links.
Innovation Solution
An active optical cable with integrated electrical connectors at both ends, utilizing optical fibers for most of its length, allowing for high-speed communication up to 10 Gbps and beyond, while appearing as a standard electrical cable for connectivity, thus enabling flexible and cost-effective deployment without the need for separate optical ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If copper-based solutions are used for 10 Gbps communication, then port density can be improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper-based electrical transmission with optical fiber transmission for the cable interconnect portion of the system. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power copper signaling while maintaining electrical connectivity through integrated converters, thereby reducing power consumption while preserving port density.
2Length of stationary object
If optical solutions are used for 10 Gbps communication, then transmission distance and bandwidth are improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical transmission capabilities with electrical connector interfaces by integrating optical converters directly into cable assemblies. This combination allows the system to use standard electrical connectors and cabling infrastructure while providing optical transmission benefits, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly is designed to provide multiple functions: it can operate as a purely electrical cable, a purely optical cable, or a hybrid active optical cable with integrated converters. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to support different transmission modes and distances, reducing the need for separate specialized infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If active optical cable with integrated converters is used, then adaptability and ease of deployment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active optical cable includes integrated converters that automatically detect the connection type (electrical or optical) and adapt their operation accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex external control systems, thereby improving deployability while managing complexity through automation.
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 provides a flexible, cost-effective, and power-efficient high-speed communication option that can support up to 10 Gbps over longer distances, improving port density and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for complex optical infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
an optical link might include, for example, an optical transmitter, a fiber optic medium, and an optical receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor that mechanically and/or electrically adapts to and/or from an electrical connector that is integrated with an active cable at one end of an active optical cable, wherein the optical cable is configured to communicate over much of its length using one or more optical fibers. The cable may be an electrical to optical cable, and electrical to electrical cable, or one of many other potential configurations.